The Brevity of Life

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The Brevity of Life

1. Our pilgrimage on this earth is short.
2. Our life on this earth is so short it is called a vapour (Jam 4:14).
3. Vapour – 1. Without article: Matter in the form of a steamy or imperceptible exhalation; esp. the form into which liquids are naturally converted by the action of a sufficient degree of heat.
4. It’s wind (Psa 78:39).
5. It’s short (Job 14:1; Psa 89:47).
6. All flesh soon withers like the grass and fades like the flower (Isa 40:6-8).
7. It’s soon cut off and we fly away (Psa 90:10).
8. Therefore we ought to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (Psa 90:12 c/w Eph 5:16).
9. This is why it is so important to seek our Creator in the days of our youth (Ecc 12:1; Lam 3:26-27; Pro 8:17).
10. This is done by taking heed unto God’s law (Psa 119:9).
11. Parents, make sure you teach your children the holy scriptures so that they can be as Timothy who knew them from a child (2Ti 3:15).
12. If you didn’t find God until you were old, then be wise in thy latter end (Pro 19:20).
13. Serve God in your old age and show His strength unto this generation (Psa 71:9, 15-18).
14. Don’t leave this world until you impart the truth to the next generation.
15. Never stop bringing forth fruit, even in old age (Psa 92:13-14).
16. God will be with us in old age (Isa 46:4).
17. If you want to prolong your life, fear God and keep His commandments (Pro 3:1-2; Pro 3:7-8; Pro 4:10; Pro 9:10-11; Pro 10:27).
18. We should all strive to be able to say as Paul did at the end of his life: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2Ti 4:7-8).

1. When this short life is over, the death of loved ones causes sorrow.
2. Sorrowing for lost loved ones is as old as humanity (Ecc 12:5).
3. There is nothing wrong with grieving over the loss of people we love; even devout men do it (Act 8:2).
4. Lamentation – The action of lamenting; the passionate or demonstrative expression of grief; mourning; in weakened sense, regret.
5. We often blame God when loved ones die (Joh 11:21; Joh 11:32).
6. Rather than rebuking us in those times of weakness, Jesus weeps with us (Joh 11:32-36; Rom 12:15).
7. He is a great high priest who can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, and we can therefore come to Him for grace and help in time of need (Heb 4:15-16).
8. Rather than rebuke, He will give us assurance that that our loved ones who belong to Him will rise again (Joh 11:23-27).
9. God comforts those who are cast down (2Co 1:3-4; 2Co 7:6).
10. Cast your cares upon Him when you are sorrowing (1Pe 5:7).
11. God is with us when we go through hardships (Isa 41:10; Isa 43:2).
12. When our loved ones in Christ die, we should therefore not sorrow as others which have no hope (1Th 4:13-18).
13. Leaving loved ones causes sorrow (Act 20:36-38).
14. Contrarily, seeing loved ones comforts us when we are cast down (2Co 7:6; 2Ti 1:4).
15. This is our hope, whether here on the earth, or someday in heaven.

III.   Sorrow and mourning can be good.

1. Blessed are they who mourn (Mat 5:4).
2. Good sorrow makes the heart better (Ecc 7:3).
3. Contrary to the opinion of most, sorrow is better than laughter.
4. It’s better to go to the house of mourning than house of feasting (Ecc 7:1-2).
5. It’s better go to a funeral than a party.
6. The wise will be in the house of mourning, while the fool will be in the house of mirth (Pleasurable feeling, enjoyment, gratification; joy, happiness.) (Ecc 7:4)
7. There is a time to mourn and weep (Ecc 3:4).
8. Don’t be afraid to mourn at a funeral — that’s what it’s for.
9. Mourning is necessary to get over the death of a loved one.
10. Avoiding mourning will only prolong it.

1. Sorrow will not last forever.
2. Even in this life, it’s only temporary (Psa 30:5).
3. After the time to mourn and weep, there is a time to laugh and dance (Ecc 3:4).
4. Don’t feel guilty for laughing and being joyful after your time of mourning is over.
5. One day we will be forever free from sorrow altogether (Rev 21:4).