Funeral Sermon: Resting In The Arms Of The Shepherd Series

FUNERAL SERMON: RESTING IN THE ARMS OF THE SHEPHERD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 23:1-4 (KJV)

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

INTRODUCTION:

There are moments in life when words fail, when our hearts are heavy and our eyes are full. This is one of those moments. But even in our pain, we are reminded that the Shepherd of our souls is near. He is the One who walks with us through the darkest valleys and leads us into eternal rest.

Psalm 23 is a psalm of comfort and assurance. It speaks of a Shepherd who provides, protects, and leads His sheep—not only in life but also through death and beyond. This passage gives hope to every believer that we are not alone in death, and that beyond the grave, there is peace.

Today, we remember a life lived under the care of the Good Shepherd. Though our loved one has departed this earthly fold, they have entered a better pasture, where there is no more pain, no more tears, and no more night.

1. THE SHEPHERD PROVIDES PEACE IN LIFE AND IN DEATH

Even in the face of death, the Lord gives peace.

a) God leads His children beside still waters. Life is often turbulent, but the Shepherd brings calm to the soul, especially when storms rage (Isaiah 26:3).

b) His presence calms our troubled hearts. We do not need to fear what lies beyond, because He walks with us all the way (John 14:27).

c) The Shepherd never abandons His flock. Even at the point of death, He remains near, carrying us into His presence (Hebrews 13:5).

d) His comfort is deeper than human consolation. The rod and staff of the Lord bring strength and assurance to the soul (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Biblical Example: When Lazarus died, Jesus wept with the family, showing His compassion, but He also demonstrated power by raising him—reminding us that death is not final (John 11:1-44).

God is our Shepherd in life, and our Comforter in death.

2. THE SHEPHERD RESTORES THE SOUL

Death is not the end of the soul—it is the beginning of eternal restoration.

a) The soul of the righteous is precious to the Lord. God does not forget His own in death; He gathers them to Himself (Psalm 116:15).

b) Restoration begins with salvation. Only those who have trusted the Shepherd in life will be restored in eternity (John 3:16).

c) The soul that walks with God shall dwell with Him forever. Earth may take the body, but God receives the soul (Ecclesiastes 12:7).

d) Heaven is the place of full restoration. All that was lost in life—strength, health, and joy—is restored forever (Revelation 21:4-5).

Biblical Example: The rich man and Lazarus remind us that while on earth there is pain, in heaven the righteous are comforted (Luke 16:19-31).

The Shepherd does not just lead us through life—He restores us into eternal glory.

3. THE SHEPHERD GUIDES IN RIGHTEOUS PATHS

A life lived under the Shepherd’s guidance leads to eternal reward.

a) Righteousness is the Shepherd’s path. His people are led to live in holiness and truth (Proverbs 4:18).

b) The legacy of the righteous is honour. Even in death, the memory of the just is blessed (Proverbs 10:7).

c) God’s leading does not end with life. He guides His people through the valley of the shadow of death into His eternal presence (Psalm 48:14).

d) The Shepherd walks ahead to show the way. Jesus is not only our Saviour but also our Forerunner into glory (Hebrews 6:20).

Biblical Example: Abraham followed God all his life, and at death, he was gathered to his people—resting in peace after a righteous journey (Genesis 25:8).

A guided life becomes a glorious exit into the arms of the Shepherd.

4. THE VALLEY OF DEATH IS ONLY A SHADOW

For the believer, death has lost its sting.

a) Death for the believer is not destruction—it is transition. It is the doorway into eternity, not the end of existence (2 Corinthians 5:8).

b) Shadows cannot harm—only frighten. The valley of death is just a shadow when the Lord is by our side (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

c) The light of Christ drives away fear. In His presence, even death is swallowed up in victory (John 8:12).

d) We do not walk through the valley alone. The Shepherd walks with us, guiding every step (Isaiah 43:2).