Funeral: "Through the valley" (Ps 23:4)

FUNERAL MEDITATION: "THROUGH THE VALLEY" (Ps 23:4)

pdf

Dr. Paul Manuel—2012

Where below you read "the deceased" Pastor Manuel

inserted the name of the individual.

However carefully you plan, whatever preparations you make to do this or that, there are often unexpected events that require you to adjust.

• The boss needs you to work late, and you miss dinner with the family.
• The car breaks down, and you cannot make that important meeting.
• The mail brings an unexpected bill, and you must put off replacing that worn-out appliance.

These are the speed bumps of life, the unexpected twists and turns that make you change your expectations of what lies ahead.

 

There are also events you can anticipate, things we do not welcome but that we know lie ahead.

• The company is downsizing, and your job is being eliminated.
• The police arrest your best friend for stealing to support his drug habit, despite your repeated warnings to him.
• The doctor gives you the bad news about your condition.

These are also the speed bumps of life, perhaps more difficult because you see them coming and cannot avoid them. Whether expected or unexpected, seen or unseen, there are events we must all face.

 

Ps 23 was a familiar passage to the deceased, as it is to many, one especially significant because it describes God's care for His people in a personal way that is easy to grasp and appreciate. David, the author of this psalm, was a shepherd, so he understood the needs of sheep. He also understood that people are like sheep in many ways and that, as a shepherd looks to the needs of his flock, so the Lord looks to the needs of His people. One need common to sheep and people is that both require someone smarter than they are to watch over them. That is especially true when they travel through unfamiliar territory or unsafe terrain. Just as sheep need the presence of one they can trust, one who will look out for them, so people need the presence of one they can trust, one who will look out for them. The author frames this particular need and the way God meets it in v. 4.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me (v. 4).

Much of life takes us through areas that are somewhat familiar or relatively safe. The experiences may not always be easy or enjoyable, but they do not pose a particular danger to us. They are also experiences we may, perhaps, avoid by choosing a different path. Redirecting our way, however, is not always possible. In fact...

I. There are some things we must all do.

...some things we cannot escape as long as we live in this world.

For example...

A. We must all face difficulties.

...experiences that disturb us and threaten our well being. We call them valleys and low points, because they bring us down emotionally, even physically. As we look back over our lives, we can usually remember them because the toll they have taken has left a lasting impression. Perhaps the most unwelcome, yet unavoidable difficulty is that...

B. We must all face death.

The author of this psalm knew full well what that entailed, for he was often in danger of losing his life, as a result of some natural calamity or another's personal animosity. Although he managed to escape them, he learned a valuable lesson that he relates in this verse. Indeed, there are some things we must all do, because we must all face difficulties, and we must all face death. But...

 

II. There are some things we need not do.

 

As we face difficulties and even as we face death...

A. We need not be afraid.

David says, "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death— something I cannot avoid - I will fear no evil." What gives him courage at such a time of dread? ...It is the same thing that can give us courage, the assurance that...

B. We need not walk alone.

"...for thou art with me."

 

Each time some danger threatened to end David's life, he may have felt alone, but he was not alone. The Lord, his shepherd, was there with him to help him through the valley. That is what he discovered, and that is why he could write with such confidence, because he experienced the comfort of God's presence in the most difficult circumstances.

 

Whether or not the deceased had any inkling of the danger she faced, there was little she could do to prevent it. Nevertheless, God was present, saying to her, even as He says to you—and this is something the deceased would want you to know. "While there are some things you may not avoid, there are some things you need not do. You need not be afraid, and you need not walk alone," when the Lord is your shepherd.

For a pdf see here.