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No Repentance In The Grave
Contributed by Wilson Oshorakpor on May 27, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." Ecclesiastes 9:10
TEXT: Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NLT)
"Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom."
DEATH IS INEVITABLE
Death is inevitable. Everyone born of a woman will die. There is no escaping it. Death is the end of life on earth and the beginning of another journey, an eternal journey. The brevity of human life is described in the Bible as: a shadow (Job 8:9), a breath (Job 7:7), a smoke (Ps 102:3), a mist (Jam 4:14), etc. Life is short. What you do with your life on earth has eternal consequences. We cannot alter, delete or fine-tune our records once death calls. According to Eccl 9:10, in the realm of the dead, there are no activities. You cannot repent in the grave.
PLAY YOUR PART NOW
Jesus told his disciples in John 9:4, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." Life is a gift we must cherish. It is an opportunity to impact others positively and prepare for eternity. According to Shakespeare, "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts." What is your part? The owner of life did not just create you for nothing, he has a good and godly plan for your life. Jer 29:11 tells us: "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Are you playing the part ordained for you by God?
NO REPENTANCE IN THE GRAVE
The choice of which part to play is yours. God's desire is for you to make the right choice. "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live" (Deut 29:11). The world is the table set before you, the type of lifestyle you live is the choice you have made. It is your choice. But you can change that choice today and start living for God. You can still repent today as long there is breath in you. Once you die, there is no repentance in the grave where you are going. Psalms 90:12 says: "... teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."
I conclude with Eph 5:15-17 (NIV): "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." Remember this: There is no repentance in the grave.
PRAYER:
Father, grant me grace to do you will and follow your plan and purpose for my life in Jesus name.
CONFESSION:
I choose life, I choose blessing, I choose Jesus.
God bless you. Shalom.