Open Heaven 5 February 2023 TOPIC: You vs Death
MEMORISE: “Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?” – Job 7:1 (KJV)
READ: Hebrews 9:27-28 (KJV)
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Leviticus 24-25
MESSAGE:
Death is a very powerful enemy. It is so powerful that (1 Corinthians 15:26) says that death is the last enemy to be destroyed. That tells you that it is so strong that it would be kept to the very last. One of the reasons death is so powerful and feared by many is because it is a leveller; it levels everyone. The rich, poor, mighty, kings, servants, beggers and everyone else is levelled by death. Psalm 49:10 says:
For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
Death is no respecter of academic qualifications or achievements when it comes knocking; it listens to no argument. Even Lazarus who Jesus raised after 4 days still died again. Whether you like it or not, except you are around when Jesus returns to rapture his followers, death will come knocking one day. In both cases however, the result is the same – you will find yourself face to face with God at His judgement seat.
What really makes death so fearsome is that it is permanent. In our Bible reading for today, verse 27 tells us that the moment a person dies, he faces judgement – there are no second chances, no opportunity to try again; it is permanent. That is why I wonder what people are thinking when they say they want to postpone their salvation or start living holy at a certain time. Many have said that in the past and died before the time they had planned to start living holy. They are in hell today, regretting it now and for eternity.
You must ensure that you are ready for death whenever it comes knocking. Those who are ready will find themselves in paradise when death comes, but for the rest, they will be weeping and gnashing their teeth for eternity (Luke 13:27-28). Stop telling lies, stop doctoring figures so as to keep some money for yourself, stop committing fornication, stop sinning! When death comes, all these things will not matter anymore; at that point, all that will matter is if your name is written in the book of life. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ today and commit to following Him to the end. That is the only way to overcome spiritual death and inherit eternal life.
REFLECTION:
If Jesus returns or calls you home today, where would you spend eternity – in heaven or the lake of fire?
HYMN 10: In Christ Alone
1 In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my Light, my Strength, my Song
This Cornerstone, this Solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
2 In Christ alone, Who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless Babe
This Gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
3 There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
4 No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.
