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Friends, greetings in Jesus Name. Today I will be sharing with you what I title, “The Days of David Drew Near.” This past weekend, while flying from Paris to Lagos, a young man sat beside me in the airplane. We both greeted each other and got along so easily. While talking and sharing about different things, I asked him a question: Have you ever paused to think about death? I mean, have you thought about dying and leaving this world someday? By this time, the plane was cruising at the altitude of about 40,000 feet across the Atlantic Ocean. He looked at me and replied with an emphatic yes, that he does think about death every day as a sailor who sails across the world. Then I followed up with another question by asking: How does that make you feel? He said he had a near death experience in 2003 and he came back to life by God’s mercy. Really, I do not have enough time in this devotion to share the full story. But it was a very interesting encounter he had. According to him, he learnt from that experience that there is God, and more importantly, there is life after death. Afterwards, I shared the word of God with him, and he agreed with me that there’s a need for him to take his relationship with Jesus very seriously, and to not take the mercy of God for granted. Then I prayed with him. Hallelujah!

Now, talking about death, it’s something many dread to think or talk about. Why? It’s because nobody wants to die. But you see, in life whether you are good or bad, rich or poor, your days on earth must surely draw near. “Now the days of David drew near that he should die” (1 Kings 2:1). Yes, this was the mighty David. The one who killed Goliath. A time came for him to face death. To encourage his son Solomon to be courageous as the next king of Israel, David said to him, “I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man” (1 Kings 2:2). Beloved, death is an inevitable occurrence we must all face if Jesus tarries. “To everything there is a season; A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2). Pause briefly and meditate upon this scripture. This should serve as a warning to those who think power, fame, riches, and wealth are everything.

Ecclesiastes 1:2 declares, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul” (Mark 8:36). Today, many people behave as if they will live forever. Have it at the back of your mind that one day you’ll die and leave everything you have acquired behind. “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7). The only thing that will follow you is your works here on earth. Revelation 14:13 says, “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” Really, this should remind us to live a life that is meaningful, impactful, and errorless in God’s sight here on earth.

In her state funeral that caught the attention of millions across the world, placed on the coffin of her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, was the Imperial State Crown, Sovereign’s Sceptre and Sovereign’s Orb. The three objects symbolised the Queen’s power and have held significance throughout her reign. Listen, all three objects were removed before the late monarch’s coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault. What amazed me most was the fact that at that moment, the Preacher who presided over the funeral didn’t mention her Majesty anymore, but rather our sister Elizabeth. Yes, she was indeed a sister just like any other person. Have you ever attended the funeral of any wealthy personality? If you’re observant, you’ll notice they didn’t order more than one casket for them, no dollar, no Rolls Royce, or mansion was laid beside them. Really, if our corrupt politicians and leaders understand this basic truth about life, they will apply wisdom in their dealings. Yes, they’ll exercise some level of caution and restraint in pursuing titles or positions; stop rigging elections; and stop looting public funds. Then, they will learn to serve the masses with utmost selflessness and sacrifice in ensuring their well-being (Proverbs 29:2).

As believers in Christ, may we not be taken unaware by death. Why? Once you close your eyes on this side, it’s over. Yes, it’s a journey of no return. What counts afterwards is the life that you have lived, the impact you made, and the legacy you left behind. All these culminate to one of either statements from the Lord to you: “Well done good and faithful servant” or “Depart from me you worker of iniquity” (Matthew 25:14-30; Matthew 7:13-23). The Psalmist wrote, “Lord, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Really, if each and every one of us know our appointed date of death, we’ll behave more maturely, pursue our purpose, treat others with love and respect, and have a sense of urgency in finishing our course here on earth. Apostle Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). May this become our portion in Jesus Mighty Name. Hallelujah! Have a Blessed and Fantastic Week. With love, Elvis!