Brevity of Life in Service to Christ
E.A. Johnston reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the urgent call to serve Christ passionately despite the brevity of our earthly days.
In this devotional sermon, E.A. Johnston contemplates the fleeting nature of life and the legacy of faithful Christian servants who died young. He draws from Psalm 103 to remind believers of the urgency to serve Christ with passion despite life's brevity. Johnston humbly reflects on his own spiritual journey, encouraging listeners to rekindle their zeal and dedicate their remaining days fully to the Lord.
Full Transcript
Lord Jesus, when I think of the men you have used to bring you glory, they each were burning and shining lights that blazed and soon expired. John Sung died at forty-two. Jonathan Edwards died at fifty-four.
George Whitefield at fifty-five. Charles Spurgeon at fifty-seven. Sam Jones at fifty-eight.
Azahel Nettleton at sixty-one. D.O. Moody at sixty-two. Lord, I have outlived every one of these worthies, and I am not worthy to be called your servant.
The brevity of life in service to Christ escapes me as my adversities increase and my natural force declines while my mind lingers on your word as found in Psalm 103. As for man, his days are as grass, as a flower of the field so he flourisheth, for the wind passes over it and it is gone. Lord, how the years have evaded me.
The sun sets on my life like a shadow. A time on my knees and time in your word, too shamefully short of what you deserved. Oh, for more time to serve you in love.
Oh, for more fire to fall from above. But my life flies away like a dove. Lord, how I long to recapture the years.
But like a summer rain, my season has ended. My faith was too little for too often. The edge of my sword in disuse was softened.
Oh, for more time to serve you in love. Oh, for more fire to fall from above. But my life flies away like a dove.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Reflection on notable Christian servants who died young
- Acknowledgment of outliving these servants yet feeling unworthy
- Recognition of the fleeting nature of life
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II
- Meditation on Psalm 103 about the transience of man
- The passing of years and the setting sun of life
- Desire for more time and zeal to serve Christ
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III
- Confession of insufficient faith and diminished spiritual fervor
- The metaphor of life flying away like a dove
- Yearning for renewed fire and dedication
Key Quotes
“Lord, how the years have evaded me.” — E.A. Johnston
“Oh, for more time to serve you in love.” — E.A. Johnston
“My life flies away like a dove.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Recognize that life is short and use your time to serve Christ faithfully.
- Seek to rekindle your spiritual passion through prayer and Scripture.
- Embrace humility and strive for greater faithfulness in your Christian walk.