Presenting ...
... a weekly letter of encouragement.
Jakarta, Indonesia
November 8, 1995
Good Morning!
"We have finished our years like a sigh."+
As I write, an Asia-Pacific-wide economic conference is in
progress in this City. Red carpets are rolled out, the press
stands at the ready, police sirens blare, and people gawk as the
influential and powerful confer over economic policies affecting
tens of millions of lives.
Impressive. Daunting.
Recently the founder of a FORTUNE 500 company passed into eternity.
I had the privilege of knowing this man and his family. He
was impressive! Daunting!
Shortly after his death, his son dined in our home and told of
his father's waning months, as cancer slowly took its toll. This
once powerful giant of American industry withered into a shell,
finding the most basic functions a chore.
He had, as the Psalmist forewarned, "finished [his]
years like a sigh" (or " whisper").
And that will be the inevitable conclusion of these powerful leaders
attending this Asia-Pacific economic conference...As it will also
be with us.
PERSPECTIVE is what is needed here: Life is short.
Death is sure. Eternity awaits us.
Just walk through a cemetery and observe the infamous and the
unknowns, along with the rich and powerful. All share the same
piece of real estate.
There is no status in a cemetery.
Just as men share a common place of burial, men apart
from Christ--regardless of "standing", will meet God
in a common judgment:
"And I saw the dead, the great and the small,
standing before the throne, and the books were opened...and they
were judged, every one of them..." (Revelation 20:12,
13a)
The Psalmist's wise words speak to our soul,
"So teach us to number our days that we may present
to Thee a heart of wisdom." ++
QUESTION: As you contemplate the inescapable reality
that your life is moving toward death's conclusion, are
you presently applying your heart to wisdom?
My prayer is that you are having a great week!
Dwight Hill
+ Psalm 90:9; ++ Psalm 90:12
© Copyright 1996 Dwight Hill. Unlimited permission to copy or use is hereby granted subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.
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