OUR TIME ON EARTH IS BRIEF

Dearly Beloved, OUR TIME ON EARTH IS BRIEF “Our time on earth is brief; the number of our days is already decided by [God]” (Job 14:5 CEV). The death of Reverend Tunde Taiwo (1969-2015), the senior pastor of Zion Baptist Church, Ilorin, Nigeria, is another evidence that anybody can die at any time without prior notice. Here was a man who left the seminary where he was doing his postgraduate study early in the day for a couples' retreat of pastors and interacted with many pastor-colleagues before going back home late in the night. He was awake still studying late that night when death struck him. It was a surprise to many people that saw him both at the seminary and the retreat earlier that day that somebody they interacted with some hours ago is dead. He died with many unfulfilled aspirations: aspirations for his life, aspirations for his wife, aspirations for his children, aspirations for his church and church members, aspirations for his country, aspirations for many people and things. Job, in his anguish, lamented about the brevity of life. Hear him: “Life is short and sorrowful for every living soul. We are flowers that fade and shadows that vanish.... Our time on earth is brief; the number of our days is already decided by [God]” (Job 14:1-2, 5 CEV). Gone were the days when a person could live nearly for a thousand years like Methuselah (see Genesis 5:27). Hardly do people live up to a hundred years nowadays. Moses, in his psalm, was of the opinion that “We can expect seventy years, or maybe eighty, if we are healthy, but even our best years bring trouble and sorrow. Suddenly our time is up, and we disappear” (Psalm 90:10 CEV). The bitter truth here is that regardless of our aspirations and status, death can come at any time without warning. In spite of this, God is not caught unaware about anyone’s death. If our life on earth is brief and death can come calling without prior notice, are you prepared to die? Someone has posited that we are not ready to live until we are prepared to die. If you die today, what will people say about you? Where will you find yourself after death? Death is never the end of anyone’s life. There is life after death. The writer of the book to the Hebrews succinctly put it: “We die only once, and then we are judged” (Hebrews 9:27 CEV). For this judgement, see also Ecclesiastes 11:9; Romans 14:9-12; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 20:11-15. Our time here on earth is indeed brief, but, what kind of judgement will be your lot after death? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). NB This message is dedicated to late Reverend Oluwole Olatunde Taiwo (born on September 19, 1969, died on February 21, 2015 and buried on February 26, 2015), the senior pastor of Zion Baptist Church, Ilorin, Nigeria. May the Lord continue to uphold his wife, children, church and other beloved that survived him.

Quote for the Day 28Feb2015

When we learn to give thanks, we are learning not to concentrate on the bad things, but on the good things in our lives. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 27Feb2015

The way you live your life for God is your offering to Him. Relentlessly pursue holiness so that your offering to God is unblemished and acceptable to Him. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 26Feb2015

God can make all things beautiful in its time for you. As you involve Him in your daily life and trust His love for you, you will see Him lead and place you at the right place at the right time to enjoy His blessings. - Joseph Prince

Quote for the Day 25Feb2015

By relying on God’s guidance and the empowering of the Holy Spirit, our load can be lightened and our perseverance buoyant. - Dennis Fisher

Quote for the Day 24Feb2015

Our world may crumble around us, but our God is enthroned forever for His name endures to all generations. - Amos O. Tella

Quote for the Day 23Feb2015

To distinguish ourselves as Jesus’ people, we need to show kindness even to those who wish us harm. Only then will we reflect the heart of the One who, while we were still His enemies, paid the ultimate price to come to our rescue. - Mart De Haan