Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king; he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. He died to no one’s regret and was buried in the city of David but not in the tombs of the kings.
2 CHRONICLES 21:20 (CSB)

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As encouraging as 2 Chronicles 20 is, 2 Chronicles 21 is discouraging. The differences between Jehoshaphat and Jehoram are like daylight and dark. When Jehoram died, “his people did not hold a fire in his honor like the fire in honor of his predecessors,” (verse 19). He was not buried among the other kings. Everyone was glad he was gone. 

Don’t be that guy.

While it is true that the number of people at your funeral largely depends on the weather, it is also true that how honorably you live will be the greatest factor in those who mourn your passing. The good news is that, unless you are a real jerk, more people will grieve your departure than King Jehoram. So you’ve got that going for you.

As a young pastor in my first full-time pastorate, a family from outside of our church requested a Baptist preacher to speak at a funeral. Of the seventeen or so family members who gathered that day, no one made eye contact unless forced to do so. No one talked. No one came early or left late. No one shed a tear. I don’t know who the guy in the casket was, but he and Jehoram obviously had something in common.

Don’t be that guy, either.

Truth be told, I will not count the number of attendees at my funeral. I do not plan to be there. My attention will be consumed with the One who lives forever. 

C. S. Lewis said, “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”

Let us give God our attention today. Let us do his will on earth as it is done in heaven. This will probably lead to an enhanced crowd at our funerals. More importantly, it will lead to a homecoming of endless adoration. 

Poor Jehoram. He lived a wasted life. He was carried out like trash.

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I will not waste my life.

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Our Father, fill my moments and days with meaning. Guide my steps with purpose. Use me to extend your kingdom. Come rule and reign in me. Make my life meaningful and helpful by your grace and in your strength.