Charles Bridges
How did this time come about? Immortality was our original being (Gen 5:26). “By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin” (Rom 5:12). Ever since, “it is appointed unto men once to die” (Heb 9:27, Gen 3:19). No one can evade the law. Voltaire2 could not purchase a reprieve with half his fortune. “His days are determined, the number of his months are with Thee, Thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass” (Job 14:5). The sentence of death may be revoked, but the time predetermined is unchanged (Is 38:1-5). The time to die can never be premature. God’s time must be right and best. God’s work must be done; and man is immortal till it is done.
If our steps “are ordered by the Lord” (Ps 37:23), much more is the last step of all – the step out of one world into another, out of time into eternity. But if that step were taken tonight, would it be a cheerful or a forced leaving of all? O to realise our solemn concern with this great moment! Death the gate of heaven or of hell? O my soul, which to thee? “Man giveth up the ghost, and” – awesome question – “where is he?” (Job 14:10). We may leave all the circumstances of death to the Lord – whether we shall die in pain or in peace. But our safety, our readiness, is everything. This readiness for death is the energy of life. Then comes the sunbeam upon the valley. Is this dying?” said Thomas Goodwin. “How have I dreaded as an enemy this smiling friend!” O world, produce something good like this, we may boldly say; and then it shall have our best affections. Till then may we be only for the Lord!
The time to die! What is it but the entrance into the Kingdom? (2 Pet 1:11). There may be indeed a special purpose. It is the father caring for his delicate child, sending his messenger to bring him home before the threatening tempest rages. Thus he is “taken away from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace.” His Father rests in His love, and joys over him with singing (Is 57:1,2; Zeph 3:17).
Not only the two great points of birth and death, but every atom of life has its relative importance. To everything there is a season and a purpose. Within the boundary of life there is therefore a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted. Planting had been to Solomon a matter of primary interest (Ecc 2:4,5). But how soon might the season come to undo his own work and to pluck up that which was planted! Often is a garden or estate laid out with plantations – whether for present pleasure or future advantage. Yet change of mind or of taste, withering winds, over-luxuriant growth, financial necessity or profit may induce the owner to pluck up. Thus the most ordinary course of life gives evidence of a changing world; it is therefore no centre of rest.
1An edited extract from Bridges’ Commentary on Ecclesiastes (on 3:2), which is available from the Free Presbyterian Bookroom.
2Eighteenth-century French philosopher who opposed Christianity.