DEATH, THE LAST APPOINTMENT

DEATH, THE LAST APPOINTMENT

Text: Ps 90:12; 2 Kings 20:1 Hebrews 9:27
Ps 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

1.0.The Inevitability of Death
Death is an inevitable end of man. The Bible makes it clear that it is the final appointment of every human being but the date for that appointment is not known. It is this fear of the unknown which makes some people fear death. But to us Christians, death shouldn’t be feared because of the finished work of Christ.
King Hezekiah was among the few people who were made known of their appointment with death. Although he pleaded and God added 15 years to his life, he still died after all.

2.0.Why Death?
2.1.An escape from the worries and troubles in this world
No electricity and water bills, etc. When it becomes clear to God that any of his children is about to give up due to the care, concern and pressures of this world, He may call that wounded soldier home quickly.

2.2.Fulfilment of God’s word
God himself said man will not live on the earth forever.

2.3.Better understanding
Death actually helps us to value life. It helps us to have a better understanding of things which happen on the earth. eg why should the righteous suffer, why should the only child of a pastor die? Etc

2.4.Perpetual rest
Those who die in Christ are in perpetual rest. Sadly, it is not all people who enjoy this rest. That is why there is the need for us to accept Jesus as Lord and saviour, and keep on preaching Christ to every human being.

2.5.Final Exit
It is the only God-approved exit from this world.

3.0. How Death Comes
The most bitter and unpalatable truth for every human being is that a day will come when each one of us will die.

3.1.After a well-lived life
Usually death comes expectedly, at the end of a long, well-lived life. That’s the desire of every man that we should live; grow old to see all our dreams come to pass in our life time. Unfortunately, it is only a few people who get it that way.

3.2.After a terminal illness
Again, death may come at the end of a terminal illness. Some people may die after battling diseases for a long time. Prayer, traditional and western medication may help sustain our lives but when the appointed time comes, we give in.

3.3.Without any Warning
Finally, in most occasions, death arrives without warning. Accidents, sudden illness, even becoming the victim of a crime can cause you to die without notice, without time to plan. No Christian should be caught unprepared.

4.0.Planning Towards Death
David also made it clear that we should allow the Lord to teach us how to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
It simply means that we should accommodate death in our plans.  On the cross, Jesus asked John to take care of his mother. David consciously told Solomon what to do when he was about to die. Joseph asked Israel to carry his remains with them to the Promised Land.

4.1.Every person needs to be saved before death
No man should face death when he hasn’t accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour.

4.2.Prepare a written will
Some people think it is only old people whi must have this document. Please take note that a will is not anything fearful but rather a simple document spelling out how your properties should be distributed after your death.  This will prevent unnecessary misunderstanding and litigation between your immediate and extended families.

4.3.Prepare your Biography
At any point in time, you need to have a simple document stating how you have lived your life on earth. It may be simple statements containing major facts and milestones of your life. This will make it easier for your people whenever you fly away home.

4.4.Prepare your people for your death
Convince people around you of the possibility of your demise at any time. Let your family know that you are not immortal. This will help them to control themselves during their grieving period when you are gone.

4.5.Preserve Your Pin Codes and Passwords 
Appoint reliable, trustworthy people who are capable of keeping your security information very confidential for your Family. In this age of technology which comes with many security issues, somebody must keep the back-up of your pin cies, passwords and other security features for you.

5.0. Conclusion
So far, the discussion has made it very clear to us that death is in evitable. It is a divine appointment which every person living in this world will honour one day. It is therefore better for us to learn more about the realities associated with it and prepare ourselves as well as our families adequately for it.
Again, a careful observation undertaken by anyone in any of our communities would quickly reveal that so many people die unprepared. They sadly left their children, widows and other dependents in perpetual grieving and many uncertainties of life they weren’t prepared for. It is the duty of all of us in the society to help such people by providing physical, spiritual and emotional support in order to help them live worthy lives.
God bless you all.

© Pastor William Boachie-Ansah
(28/08/2017)