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).
Biblical Example: Jacob, before his death, declared that the Angel of the Lord had redeemed him from all evil, and he blessed his sons in faith (Genesis 48:15-16).
Death is no longer a monster to the believer—it is merely a shadow before the sunrise.
5. THE SHEPHERD’S HOUSE IS OUR ETERNAL HOME
We may leave our earthly homes, but we gain a heavenly one.
a) Heaven is our true and final residence. Earth is temporary; heaven is everlasting (2 Corinthians 5:1).
b) In the Father’s house, there is room for all who believe. Christ went ahead to prepare a place for His children (John 14:2).
c) There are no goodbyes in heaven. It is a place of reunion, joy, and everlasting worship (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
d) The beauty of the Shepherd’s house cannot be compared. Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, the glory awaiting the saints (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Biblical Example: John, in the book of Revelation, saw the New Jerusalem, a place of unimaginable glory where the Lamb is the light (Revelation 21:1-4).
Heaven is not the reward of a good life; it is the destination of a life lived with the Good Shepherd.
CONCLUSION:
Today, we are reminded that our loved one is no longer in pain, no longer in labour, no longer striving. They are resting—resting in the arms of the Shepherd. As we celebrate their life and mourn their passing, may we also be inspired to follow the Shepherd faithfully until we also hear the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
Let us live with heaven in view, and let this home-going be a call to deeper commitment, renewed faith, and eternal perspective.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for being my Shepherd both in life and in death.
2. Help me to follow You faithfully all the days of my life.
3. Comfort every grieving heart with Your everlasting peace.
4. May the reality of heaven give us strength in our sorrow.
5. Let me live each day with eternity in mind.
