“As he came forth of his mother’s womb naked shall he return
to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which
he may carry away in his hand” - Ecc 5:15
THEN……….
Japan, a member of the G8, is considered to be a major economic power among the countries of the world. By nominal GDP, it is the third largest economy. It is the world’s fourth largest exporter and importer and Japanese products are regarded as the hallmark of quality. The country maintains an extensive modern military force in self-defense and peacekeeping roles.
After Singapore, Japan has the lowest homicide (including attempted homicide) rate in the world. According to UN and WHO estimates, it has the largest life expectancy of any country in the world. According to UN, it has the lowest mortality rate. Suffice it to say that Japan is a definition of a strong and stable human society.
NOW………
Japan is a state of nuclear emergency after a massive earthquake and tsunami struck the country along its eastern coast. An emergency was declared after a number of nuclear reactors shut down. Consequently, the high radiation levels recorded in foods and agricultural produce make them unfit for human consumption.
Japan faces the threat of health hazard and needs support from you and I to survive. The Prime Minister said, “This is the most severe crisis since World War II”.
The stability of the Japanese economy was shattered by an earthquake. Despite the country’s advanced technological know-how, the disaster could not be averted.
Brethren, this is something we need to ponder upon. Remember the story of Job and how he lost everything in a day. Career, marriage, family commitments, education and a host of others have made people to neglect the primary in life: our relationship with God. We are so engrossed with earthly things that we forget heaven as our ultimate goal. Everything in this world that matters so much to us is temporal and would be left behind one day.
The Scripture says “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep his commandment: for this is the whole duty of man” Ecc 12:13. This is the primary reason why we are here. This is what we need to continually focus upon. May the Lord grant us the grace.
PS: remember Japan in your prayers. To see aerial pictures of the extent of the damage, log on to: http:/abc.net.au/news/events/japan-quake-2011/beforeafter.htm
