289. JOB 14:10. THE MOMENTOUS EVENT

Job_14:10. The Momentous Event

"But man dieth and wasteth away; yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?"’97Job_14:10.

The living know that they must die, for death is the end of all men.

"Yet how unconcern’d we go,

Upon the brink of death."

Men generally live as though they should never die. It is an event which is seldom allowed to intrude upon men’s thoughts, or is at least banished as quickly as possible. This is far from being wise. It is infinitely better to be familiar with it, that we be not overwhelmed with surprise and confusion on its arrival. O that men were wise, that they would know this; that they would consider their latter end. The text leads our thoughts directly to it, yea, it carries our minds beyond, and interrogates as to man’s state in a future world.

I. The solemn Statement.

"Man dieth, and giveth up the ghost."

Now this is,

1. An event peculiarly affecting.

The removal of man from society. From all the ties of friendship and kindred. From all with which he has been allied, and to which he has been attached. Dissolution of the union between body and soul. The consigning of the body to the cold and darksome grave, to be the prey of worms. A mass of loathsomeness and putrefaction. The "soul given up." To appear before God. To be a resident in the unknown, eternal world. To rise to the heights of glory, or to sink into the blackest shades of eternal night.

2. It is an event absolutely and universally certain.

The decree has gone forth. The seeds of death are in our nature. The past generations of our species have practically attested it. Daily observation makes it palpably obvious. The truth of this is demonstrated every day, every hour. And it is universally certain. We cannot outlive our liability to it, or Methuselah had not died. Strength avails not, or Samson would not have died. Wisdom and knowledge avail not, or Solomon had not died. Even piety avails not, or Abraham, David, Daniel, with unnumbered thousands had yet lived. The greatest men of war, as Cyrus, Alexander, and Napoleon have all died. Whatever

man may possess, he is a sure and certain heir of mortality and the tomb.

3. It is an event to which we are liable every moment.

Death claims all times and places as his own. He not only revels in the field of battle, and in the wrecks on the mighty waters; but he enters all abodes, and every instant he is directing his darts with unerring precision. The street, the garden, the shop, the closet, the theatre, the market, the sanctuary, have all witnessed fatal intrusions of the king of terrors. We live on the borders of the grave, on the margin of eternity. "But a step," &c.

4. It is an event irreparable in its effects Its melancholy results no power can repair. It fixes the body in the gloomy grave, where it must remain until the resurrection morn. And it decides the destiny of the soul forever. After death, there is no spring, or summer, or harvest for the soul. No probation, no means of mercy, &c. All is fixed forever and ever.

As such,

5. It is an event which demands our solemn consideration.

We should consider its certainty, its possible nearness, its awful nature, &c. Especially consider that preparedness which will make it safe, peaceful, happy and glorious. Never forget that,

"A charge to keep you have,

A God to glorify,

A never-dying soul to save,

And fit it for the sky."

Such is the event declared in the text.

Notice,

II. The important Interrogation.

Man dieth, "And where is he?"

1. The infidel dies, and gives up the ghost, and where is he?

Once he was found in the seat of the scorner; once he was seen impiously lifting up his head, and asking, "Who is the Lord, that I should obey him?" But he has entered into a world where a single unbeliever is not to be found, for even the devils believe and tremble.

2. The profane man dies, and gives up the ghost, and where is he?

Once the streets resounded with his imprecations and blasphemings. But where is he? Ah! the seat he occupied at the tavern is now assumed by another, his rev-ell ings are ended. A drop of water is now refused to cool his scorching tongue

3. The worldling dies, and gives up the ghost, and where is he?

Ho was noted for his diligence in business. His riches increased, and he set his heart upon them. It was obvious gold was his confidence, fine gold his god. He pulled down his barns, and built larger, but where is he? Not in heaven, for no covetous or idolater ever passed its celestial gates. Where is he? I forbear. Read Rev_22:15.

4. The poor afflicted Christian died, and gave up the ghost, and where is he?

He had long been looking for it, waiting for it. He was like a shock of corn, &c. His end was peace; his dying room the antechamber of heaven. Angels conveyed him to glory. And among the ranks of the blood-redeemed hosts, he sits enjoying the beatific vision of his God forever.

Application

Learn,

1. That death will surely come.

2. That an interest in Christ can only prepare us for the event.

3. That eternal things should have in our hearts the constant preeminence.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS