28/08/2026
DOWN BUT NOT COMPLETELY FINISHED: ENTERING ETERNITY THROUGH DEATH!
[7] “At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail. [8] Its roots may grow old in the ground and its stump die in the soil, [9] yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots like a plant. [10] But a man dies and is laid low; he breathes his last and is no more. [11] As the water of a lake dries up or a riverbed becomes parched and dry, [12] so he lies down and does not rise; till the heavens are no more, people will not awake or be roused from their sleep. [13] “If only you would hide me in the grave and conceal me till your anger has passed! If only you would set me a time and then remember me! Job 14:7-13 NIV
Death is deemed as the greatest enemy of humanity. Since the Fall, humanity has had to deal with reality of death. When it happens, it leaves behind a trail of traumatised loved ones. One student told me that her parents died within a space of few months apart. The father died first and their mother could not handle the grief she found herself in. Denial of the loss quickly led to depression and she didn't survive it. She left behind devastated children; and being the first born this student had to step in to take the role of parents to her sublings. She dropped out from school and did errands to ensure her siblings remain in school. She was only able to return to school after seeing all her siblings through with school!
It is destined for man to die once and after that face judgment. Unlike trees, when we die, we cease to exist. There is no return, reincarnation or regrowth. We live once, die once and face judgment! As someone commented, death, like aging, is an undeniable reality. We all have to face it someday soon and the best we cannot do anything about it. The best we can do is to prepare for it while we are still alive. One way is to get connected to the Author and Sustainer of life. He is able to teach us to number our days well so we can live wisely! Only the Author of life knows how best we can live. Only those who have faith in Him can look forward to their death as we see Job doing. He wished the grave would cover him because he was not afraid of death and its aftermath! The beauty of being in the faith is that we can face death boldly knowing that it's sting has been neutralised by Christ's death and resurrection!
Death is not the final end for humanity. It is our passage into eternity. While we won't return to earthly life, death brings us face to face with our Creator. Yes, we will sprout again in the afterlife. This is where we face judgment based on how we live our lives. How does the fact that we live once and die once before facing judgment affect how you live your life on earth? Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God!
Good morning
Reflections from SCOM
