“In Everything You Undertake . . .

“In Everything You Undertake . . .

remember your last end, and you will never sin.” Ecclesiasticus 7:37. This is what Sirach wrote during the dark period between the Old Testament prophets and Jesus’ coming! He believed in complete victory in life: never to sin. Yet who thinks constantly of his own end? Who actually numbers his days so that he really receives the wisdom that is from above as his personal possession? It is, however, possible to think like this at all times: I certainly do not know whether I will live tomorrow, so it is best to say those good words today, to write those letters today, to send those cards away today, for tomorrow it might be too late.

It is very effective to meditate on these terrible words: “Too late!” And also on these wise words: “Whatever you can say or write or do today, do not delay it until tomorrow!”

It says in verse 9 of the same chapter: “Bind not one sin upon another; for in one you will not be unpunished.” Who else thinks like this? In many areas, and in many ways, Sirach had such strong and clear light that it is on a level of the powerful light with which Jesus came, even to the point of being in harmony with the so-called Sermon on the Mount! It is strange and amazing!!! For example, consider Jesus’ strong and powerful command: “Give, and it will be given to you . . . .” Sirach’s exhortation in Chapter 7:33 is: “A gift has grace in the sight of every man living.” When you receive this exhortation, considering that it is uncertain whether you will be alive tomorrow, then all kinds of things will get done today! May each brother and sister in the Lord take Matthew 28:20 powerfully to heart! Also read Ecclesiasticus 6:39 and 40, and 7:11, 29, 32, 33 and 39, 13-15, and 35:7-10.