Death is certain for all mankind and it is not a respecter of persons. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement.Heb 9:27. Man has an appointment with death and this appointment must be kept whether you like it or not. The rich and the poor, the educated and the illiterate, the powerful and the powerless, the strong and the weak will all die. Medical personnels also die despite their deep knowledge about saving lives. For heseeth that wisemen die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. Ps 49:10. The big issue is the state of your spiritual life, your preparedness to welcome this unwanted and uninvited visitor.
As you read the Bible, you will notice that many patriarchs of faith especially in the Old Testament dispensation got ready for death and many of them died gloriously. And he charged them and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a burying place. Gen 49:29-30. This was Jacob preparing for his death ahead of time. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.Lk 2:29-30. This was the valedictory speech of Simeon when Jesus was presented in the temple. His speech showed his readiness to leave this world in peace. He was through with this side of life and ready for eternity. Paul said for to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.Phil 1:21-23. Paul’s readiness made him to actually desire death as a better choice. He was therefore waiting peacefully without any inner agitation for the arrival of Mr. Death. He was fulfilled both in life and in death. Are you ready like Paul the Apostle? And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign. And buried him in his own sepulchers, which he had made for himself in the city of David.2Chron 16:14. King Asa dug his own grave and waited for death. How ready the saints of old were for death. My prayer is Lord help me to be ready when you are ready for me.
Unfortunately today, many people never get ready for the arrival of Mr. Death. Some are even oblivious of his coming, yet he comes knocking uninvited either at a person’s peak of achievement or enjoyment in life. There is a word Mr Death do not want to hear. It is WAIT. Once he comes to the market of humanity, he must not go empty handed. He must take his prey/goods home. And atimes, these “goods” though in the market never get prepared to be bought or taken home by this mystery merchant. Majority of people want to remain in the market of this world.Alas this mystery merchant cuts their stay short even in their unprepared state.
Despite the trials and challenges you may be facing ranging from economic, academic, marital or physical issues, DO NOT BE CAUGHT DEAD WITHOUT CHRIST. Definitely, Mr Death is on his way and you must be prepared to receive him. It is only ready people that will triumph over its pains and pangs. They can boldly say like Paul O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory. 1 Cor 15:55. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2Tim 4:7-8.These triumphant declarations can only be made by those whose life is hid in Christ, whose sins have been cleansed and their names written in the book of life. How can this be possible? Realize your sinfulness and repent sincerely. Renounce, confess your sins and Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Invite and accept him unto your life now. If you have done this genuinely then pray this prayer with me. Lord God forgive and cleanse me from all my sins. I accept Jesus as my Lord and personal Saviour. Give me grace to go and sin no more in Jesus Name. Amen.
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