Funerals

I had to attend more funerals in 2024 than I would’ve liked.

Probably for that reason Ecclesiastes 7:2 has been on my mind. It says:

“Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, For that is the end of all men; And the living will take it to heart.”

The NLT version says it like this:

“Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties. After all, everyone dies— so the living should take this to heart.”

Isn’t that a strange statement?

That it’s better to spend our time at funerals than at parties?

How many times do you think about dying or where you will spend eternity when you’re at a party or celebration?

But don’t we all think about those things when we’re at a funeral?

What’s more important?

Having a good time now with no regard for our eternity?

Or being aware that we all must face death and need salvation?

Solomon is telling us that if we’re always having a good time, we’re less likely to be thinking about where we will spend eternity or where other people will spend eternity.

But when we’re faced with death, we realize our need for a savior.

It’s better to be there.

It’s better for all of us to be aware of our future fate, so we can make the decision to follow Christ.

Psalms 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Lord, let our hearts realize our need for you. Help us not to just live in the moment. Help us be aware that people are dying without you. Dying and spending eternity in Hell because they didn’t repent and accept you as their savior. Help us be light and love to the people you place in our path. Help us show them the great love you offer to all who will come. Amen