It is better

“It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart.” Ecclesiastes 7:2

Last week, I had the opportunity to speak at my Aunt Rachels funeral. I used the passage above in my sermon. It’s interesting how as we get older the impact certain Bible verses have on us. I’ve heard this verse quite a bit throughout the years. I’ve done many funerals and probably have read this passage multiple times. It’s easy for young people to think (much like many of us did) we have all the time in the world to accomplish our goals. In fact, young people often want life to speed up. Some say, “I wish things would hurry up so I could get my driver’s license, get out of high school, graduate from college, etc.” But as we get older our language changes to, “It seems like life is flying by…” Then eventually we get to the stage of, “I can remember when…”

The preacher in Ecclesiastes 7:2 challenges the reader to reflect upon their lives and to ensure they have the proper perspective.

“It is better to go to the house of mourning…” This should catch our attention. It often feels hard to walk into a funeral home because the mood instantly changes. People are in less vibrant clothes. Emotions of loved ones are raw. Tears flow. The silence can be deafening. When people get uncomfortable, they may try to cheer others up by making a joke or something. It’s hard to know what to say. So, how can it be better to go to the house of mourning? Because it gives us a gut punch! It wakes us up like taking a cold shower in the middle of winter. It has a way of reshifting our focus not on the temporary cares of this world, but death and eternity.

“…To a house of feasting…”  Ecclesiastes repeatedly talks about enjoying the fruit of our labors and enjoying our families, Ecclesiastes 9:9. Life after all is fleeting. It’s also important to know that how we live we will also have to give an account to God, Ecclesiastes 11:9: “Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things.” Yet with all of the feasting and joyful moments, if not careful we can think that this is how life will always be. That’s not the case. One day, we will all take the ultimate trip called death! We will go back to the dust of the earth and our spirits to God, Ecclesiastes 12:7. The house of mourning gives us a better perspective about the present and the future!

“…The end of every man…” This is often difficult to grasp. But it is a fact of life! Death is a reality we can’t ignore, Hebrews 9:27. The house of mourning shouts this TRUTH!

“…And the living takes it to heart…” Visiting the house of mourning is a time to learn. A time to pause. A time to consider, “What will be said about me when I die?” A time to reflect, “Am I ready to die?” A time to think about, “Is my trust in the Lord and the salvation found in Him?” The house of mourning will often elicit many feelings. Pain. Sorrow. Disappointment. Anger. Shock. Quiet confidence in Christ. Hope of eternal life.

When moments are presented to go the house of mourning, take time. It will make our lives better.