Death: What’s It All About?

The most prominent reality at a funeral is also at the same time the most difficult subject to discuss. That reality, of course, is the subject of death. As one man has noted, “Death is the one experience that will be shared in common by every person…. Every moment we live, the sand in the hourglass of our existence continues to flow, bringing our final end ever near.” And yet, despite the “commonness” of death, most people prefer not to talk about it. There seems to be a kind of natural aversion to death. If we had our choice, we’d much rather be celebrating the birth of a new child or the wedding of a close friend. If we had our way, there would be no funerals or sad and uncomfortable occasions like this.

But we cannot escape reality. Death confronts us on the front page of the newspaper. It shakes us when we have to bury a family member or friend. Finally, the day comes when death knocks at our own door. Indeed, the moment you and I were born into the world, we began our lifelong journey to the grave. We cannot escape the reality of death. So why not talk about it? What’s death all about? (Reformed Baptist Fellowship)