TITLE: Funeral No One Attended

TEXT: 2 Chronicles 21:19-20

PROPOSITION: We should live a life that will make a difference.

QUESTION: How?

KEY WORD:

SCRIPTURE READING:

INTRODUCTION:

1. Jehoram died after 8 years a king and "nobody cared" nobody wept, nobody missed him.
2. Nobody burned (incense) for him. Buried, but not with the kings.
3. Did you hear that Sam died?
   No what was the problem?
   There is no problem. Everyone is quite happy that he is gone.
4. Will you be missed? Will your passing be mourned?
5. Will anyone attend your funeral?
6. How will you be missed, mourned, desired?

WHY WAS JEHORAM FORGOTTEN?

2 Chronicles 21 – Four factors in Jehoram's forgotten life.

BAD BLOOD

1. Apples don't fall far from the tree.
2. 32 when he came to power. 1^st act – kill his brothers. (21:4)
3. Father Jehosahaphat made an alliance with Ahaziah (Israel) (20:35)
4. 21:13 – following in way of Ahab
5. "Bad Blood" – at bottom of file

BAD MARRIAGE

1. He married the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. (21:6)
2. Athalia – killed all her family and became Queen of Israel.
3. Spent 2 years in bed with disease of the bowels. (21:14, 19)

BAD POLITICS

1. Edomite revolt (21:8-10)

BAD RELIGION

1. Built high places for idols (21:11)

HOW CAN WE AVOID SUCH FORGETFULLNESS?

1. Seek opportunities to help others.
2. Attend church (Hebrews 10:25; 2 Samuel 20:18)
3. Leave some things undone
   No because you are lazy
   Continue to work on projects until you die
4. Leave behind – not a pile of money – but a legacy
5. MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ONE PERSON'S LIFE.
6. "15 minutes of fame" – at bottom of file

Bad Blood

About 60 years ago a man named Richard Dougdale did a study of two
men and about 1200 of their descendants. The Jukes and the Edwards.

Here is the result of his research.

Jukes – (The name has come to mean "to dodge a blow." A boxer may
"juke" and evade his opponent. This family "ducked" their responsibility to society.

Of the 1200 Jukes studied the following were found:

310 paupers

310 died in infancy

50 were prostitutes

400 had venereal diseases

130 convicted criminals

7 murders

The family cost the state $1,200,000 in 1930 dollars

Edwards – Beginning with Jonathan Edwards and his 1200 descendants there were:

285 college graduates from 45 colleges

13 became college presidents

65 became judges

100 became clergymen

126 became lawyers

80 were elected to public office other than judge

3 were governors

They published 135 books

15 Minutes of Fame Who do you remember?

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.

These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields.

But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten.

Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier? The lesson?

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most
credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.