I'm doing a funeral today for a member of the church, Mrs. Mae Sands. I guess this is one of the privileges of visiting the elderly; I am humbled and honored that I am often asked to take part in the funeral service for such people. I wanted to offer a few insights about the 23 Psalm which I will mention today at the service.
David mentions being guided by God in the paths of righteousness. Truly those of us who have followed God's will for them have lived the kind of obedient life which will enable them to put on the crown of righteousness that Paul talks about in 2 Tim. 4:8. Thanks be to God that His paths of righteousness will lead to the crown of righteousness.
David also mentions being comforted by God in the valley of the shadow of death. Family members of those who died in the Lord can have the assurance they are asleep in Jesus. Paul had said those who fit in this category are unlike those who don't have the hope of eternal life, which would bring about a different kind of grief according to 1 Thess. 4:13.
David finally mentions dwelling in the house of the Lord forever. Jesus talked to his disciples about Heaven being comprised of many manions or dwelling places, and He wanted them to be where He is. When our lives on earth are over, we need to make sure that our calling and election are sure so that we can have eternal life. Peter says "...be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you" (2 Pet. 1:10-11).
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