Last Sunday, our worship leader made a comment from the podium that his wife would like one of our worship songs to be sung at her funeral. This statement really caught my attention because I think about that as well. As a pastor, I often sit with people and ask about the songs they would like at their own or a loved one’s funeral. The music at your funeral says a lot about your life. It says a lot about your values. It is the last statement you’ll make to those who come to your funeral. Here are my selections:
How Firm a Foundation
Grave Robber by Petra
Just play it and read the words.
It is Well with My Soul
In Christ Alone by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
Forty Brave Soldiers for Jesus by Tom Green
Just play it and read the words.
There Is A Redeemer by Keith Green
Sing it with absolute confidence that I have finished the race and now stand in the
presence of my King where I will serve Him “forever in that holy place.”
When I say that I want these sung, I mean really sung! Not the reserved, afraid what my neighbor in the pew thinks of me kind of singing, but the kind where you pour your heart out as if the Lord was right in front of you kind of singing!
I know that what we say while we’re alive is much more important than when we’re gone; but as a Bible teacher I can’t resist the opportunity to teach one last time – even if it’s through music. I pray that your life and theology can be sung well at your funeral. Think about what music would best represent the life you lived and the Christ you preached. If you come to my funeral, please honor my King by wholly trusting in His saving work on behalf of lost sinners like me, a clay pot that the Master used for His glory. Sing well, my friend!
Your brother,
Hirsch