What Shall Be!: My Random Thoughts.
Job 8
KJV
9+ (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:)
Ecclesiastes 6
KJV
12+ For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
Ecclesiastes 9
KJV
5+ For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
Growing up, I’ve always wondered if the Dead see what takes place after they are gone. I’m not alone in thinking about this question. Opinions are divided; some say yes, while others say no.
Admittedly, this is a question with diverse answers, those who answer yes, tell us they speak from experience! Those who answer in the negative also say they speak from experience, these make the point that if it’s true then why have things gone bad when the dead could have intervened? Hmmm,
I took time to read, observe and study what happens when loved ones pass away, and from experience, the above verses sum up what transpires! “For who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun? “for the memory of them is forgotten.” !
Hard truths that the we must hear and let it guide the steps we take and the things we do!
The Gas have a proverb which says “ benî afû Afutsè, bè Afutsè kô lè hû enkweô” to wit “ as a humpback is being buried, another humpback should watch and take note”.
We the living are witnesses to what happens after the departed are buried, we know the quarrels, misunderstandings, the fights over property etc on one hand.
On the other hand, we’ve also seen the unity, love, strong bonding, peace etc that characterized the family of some deceased. Both scenarios are unknown to the deceased!
The purpose of this article is to highlight the need to prepare “ our backs” before we exit. Prepare yourself every day since death is sudden and strikes without giving us notice!
Make it a daily routine to always be at peace with all. Avoid contentions and quarrels; be willing to let go no matter what “hurt” or “harm” has been done! In death there is no reconciliation, we reconcile while we live and breathe!
So, yes see the offence, hear the lies told, let them shun you ( though they are not in any way better off than you !) in all these turn a blind eye and deaf ears. Always walk away with a smile on your face! Not because, but because!
Always have a clear conscience, and keep your distance lest you contaminate your spirit! After all any meeting with such people is temporary and do not last long.
Use every occasional meeting to demonstrate your peaceful heart /mind and contentment! Enjoy the moment as you focus on positive things that are taking place at the gathering! Laugh if you must, and can till you drop dead!
The second lesson we learn is that we, like the dead shall soon be forgotten! We see this a few minutes after the deceased is lowered into the grave and mourners return from the cemetery.
The atmosphere changes and it would look like the mourners are saying to themselves “Oh what a good riddance “! Yes, from that very hour, your memory begins to fade!
We see this after one year, ask yourself how many return to visit the departed at his “new residence” -the Cemetery? It is declared a “no-go area” to the majority!
Compare the number of people who were at the funeral to that present at the one-year remembrance!
This should tell the living that they are fading away from people’s memories! The number present at the yearly remembrances dwindles with time ; and so is your memory.
So if you want to know what the state of things would be after you are gone here it is in a summary. If this is what will be, then know how you live.
Enjoy the present, make the most out of every encounter. Avoid the vexations of life, which unfortunately are many. Let me conclude with these admonishments;
Hebrews 12
KJV
14+ Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Romans 14
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19+ Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another
Finally, in all things ;
Hebrews 13
KJV
1+ Let brotherly love continue.
Random thoughts indeed!