Today’s Reading:
Revelation 14:6-13
“Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit so that they may rest from their labours, for their works follow them.” (Revelation 14:13)

Death is a leveller, it places everyone on the same pedestal because whether you are rich or poor, learned or unlearned, popular or unpopular, saint or sinner, everyone will die. Just within two months into this year, a lot of people have died. Notable among them was Herbert Wigwe, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank who was just 57 years old. Most people who died never prepared for it. Some people always avoid discussing the issue of death while some believe so strongly that they cannot die now. But the irony of the case is that nobody knows who is next. It has nothing to do with age because sometimes death will knock at the door of a son and leave the father just like in the case of Wigwe that I mentioned earlier who still had a father at the time of his departure.
But the question is, is death a curse or a blessing? To some, it is a curse but for some, it is a blessing. Death as some believe is the end of human life but in the actual sense, it is the beginning of another journey. It’s only a fool that will take his life (kill himself or commit suicide) because of challenges and believes that all is over. Though it is over on this side of the divide it is a translation into another realm. In the text above with a focus on verse 13, the scriptures say, “Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord” so death is a blessing though not all death is a blessing but those who die in the Lord. To die in the Lord means that at the time the person passed on, he held on to the Lord Jesus. Such a person has not spoilt his garment with sin. He remains faithful to the end without compromising his stand in the Lord. That scripture continues by saying “so that they may rest from their labours”, someone who dies in the Lord ceases from labour and enters into rest. There is no permanent rest on earth until we cross the Rubicon. Do you want to rest from all the labours of life?
Then remain in the Lord till you are called home. For their works follow them, the good works of the righteous will both be rewarded here and hereafter. There is assurance that what they have done here will go after them since that will be the basis of their rewards. The death of a righteous man is a blessing rather than a curse. But if someone doesn’t know Christ, such a person will not cease his labour rather he will continue to labour in hell. That’s why the scriptures say that, but I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, so that you do not grieve as others who have no hope (I Thessalonians 4:13.) Have you lost loved ones who died in the Lord, be rest assured that we shall meet again and rejoice. How prepared are you for death? It could come at any time. So that you can enjoy the blessing in death, you need to give your life to Christ and remain faithful to the end. He who is unjust, let him continue to be unjust. And he who is filthy, let him continue to be filthy. And he who does right, let him continue to do right. And he who is holy, let him continue to be holy. And behold I come quickly, and my reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work Revelation 22:11-12.
JAMES ALADE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud:
Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I believe and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank You, Lord! If you said the above short prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
I shall not miss my reward here and hereafter in Jesus' name.
No matter how hard the journey of faith is, I will not go back in Jesus name
I receive grace to be faithful to the end in Jesus' name
For as many who have gone back to Egypt, Lord restore them in Jesus' name
For as many in the chains and shackles of Satan, they receive their freedom by the power in the name of Jesus.
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