Picture this. You’re sitted at an
event in the expansive and exquisite Shell Hall of the Muson Centre, Lagos. The weather is
cool and friendly. The mood of the evening is light. You engage in small talks
with your partner as you await the concert to begin. Suddenly, a funny
character breezes on stage. And before you could say Jack Robinson, everyone is
clapping furiously? “Haba!” “Why na?” “What did he say?”, I rushed at my partner,
in a bid to catch up with the excitement. The comedian/MC had ordered everyone
to clap the number of years they wanted to live on the earth!
What?! OMG! Not again! Your
excited mood switches instantly as you sink into your seat, shaking your head
in disappointment. For you, the show was over. Matters regarding longevity are
too important to be trivialized. You turn to your Blackberry and Ping the rest
of the evening away. End of story. Thanks for watching. *smiles*
But seriously, lemme ask you. What
do you believe? Have you ever thought about it? How long do you think you’re
gonna last on the earth?
Why not let’s examine what the Good Book says about it. You know, some of my friends say I’m too spiritual. And you know what I tell them? I’d rather be spiritual than carnal, “for this is the victory that overcomes the world – even our faith”. My dear friend, it’s a jungle out there. And you can’t afford to be on the fence. It’s either you are on the Lord’s side or otherwise.
Why not let’s examine what the Good Book says about it. You know, some of my friends say I’m too spiritual. And you know what I tell them? I’d rather be spiritual than carnal, “for this is the victory that overcomes the world – even our faith”. My dear friend, it’s a jungle out there. And you can’t afford to be on the fence. It’s either you are on the Lord’s side or otherwise.
Back to our discourse. As a young boy, I first heard it
from Bishop David Oyedepo when he declared that the minimum number of years
every believer should be 120 years. Really? Well, he backs up his position with Gen. 6:3, “Then
the Lord said, ‘My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is
flesh: his days shall be 120 years.’” The bishop also has a living example and
fulfillment of that scripture in the 113-year old Pa Sadela (of the Gospel
Apostolic Church). He is reputed to be the world’s oldest preacher.
During the sage’s 110th birthday
celebration, 3 years ago, he declared that
dying at 70 is premature. According to him, three of his sisters lived to be
130 before they died, adding that his longevity is hereditary. During the
thanksgiving service he danced so much and with such vigour that many wondered
at the spectacle.
Before you get confused as regards
whom to believe among these two men, and many others who have various positions
on this subject, I put it to you that the choice is yours. The scripture is
God’s word. And you can only explain scripture by scripture. If you spend time
with the word, you’ll discover that these scriptural passages on longevity indeed complement each other.
Alongside the above scriptures, I
share some more below for your meditation. Remember, after all is said and
done, the just will only live by his faith. Selah…
“With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.” Psalm 90:10
“The fear of the Lord prolongs
life, but the years of the wicked will be short.” Proverbs 10:27
For “Whoever desires to love life
and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking
deceit…” 1 Peter 3:10
“Honor your father and your
mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God
is giving you.” Exodus 20:12
“What man is there who desires
life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and
your lips from speaking deceit.” Psalm 34:12 – 13
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