Celebration or mourning?

This eveningâ€™s sermon got me to thinking about funerals. That shouldnâ€™t be surprising, really. After all, the title of the sermon was Feast or Funeral? One of the points Tommy made was that Christians should be joyful and not sourpusses (see, for example, Galatians 5:22 and Psalm 51:12). I believe the life of a Christian should be marked by joy, but I also believe that a Christianâ€™s funeral should be a joyous occasion, celebrating the life of someone who formerly lived for Christ and now lives with
him. Weâ€™re sad to lose a friend and loved one, but we rejoice in his or
her new home. Iâ€™ve been to funerals like that, and everyone left
feeling encouraged.

This isnâ€™t so much a post about funerals as it is about the Lordâ€™s
Supper, which we celebrate every week. We are indeed called to the
table as a solemn memorial of Jesusâ€™ death and a reminder of our own
sin (1 Corinthians 11:26, Romans 5:6-8). As solemn an occasion as it is though, itâ€™s also cause for rejoicing. We rejoice the resurrection of the One who through His own righteousness has the right to a place at the right hand of God (Acts 7:56, Hebrews 12:2). The service of Communion with our Lord is a celebration of the grace and mercy the Father has shown us because of the sacrifice of His Son, and it is a perfect time to dedicate the coming week to His glory.

This may have come across sounding like the random thoughts of a
random mind, and perhaps it was that. Iâ€™d like to hear what others
think though. How about clicking the Comment link and sharing your
thoughts?