John Stott is dead, and so is Sai Baba; and so will you, and I too.

John Stott ( 1921 - 2011) who is one of the most respected clergymen in the world is no more. He passed away on 27^th July. The kind of influence that he had among Christians may be similar to the kind of influence that Sathya Sai Baba (1926-2011) had among Hindus. Stott was educated in Cambridge University, and he rose to become a prolific teacher and writer. And until his death he remained a celibate.

Whether one is rich or poor, black or white, male or female, all will die one day. That is an appointment we all cannot evade. Proud men and women, they too will die. Death indeed is the greatest leveller. The money we have earned working day and night will be left behind, and somebody else will enjoy this fruit of our hard labour. If this person is wise, thank God, the fruit of our labour will not be in vain. But if it is otherwise, I won't want to know how the money would be utilised!

The person you love the most will die as well. Your parents, your spouse, your siblings or your children. This is reality. And once a person is dead, nothing can be done about him or her. All prayers and rituals can do nothing good for that person. Sympathy and tears are all for the living ones. The dead simply remains dead, unmoved and untouched. So take time to think about your life NOW!

Is dead THE END? What is the PURPOSE of your life? What are you doing to FULFILL that purpose?

We have a fear for death. For the unknown. There is one person who have faced death, but return to life. It's not some kind of resuscitation. But it is returning to life after having really faced death. My guru or your guru will all die. But this person is different. And he is Jesus Christ. He died on 7^th April, 30 A.D, and came to life on the third day. On 19^th May, he ascended to heaven. He says that for those who accept him as Lord and God, death is NOT the end; death for such person is just a gateway to the other side of life and BEYOND.

John Stott is one person I admire and he has influenced my life so much through his writings. I know that dead is not the END for him. I have never seen him here, but I shall see him one day. And it is because Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God, is risen from the dead. That is the hope I have. 

What kind of HOPE do you have and what is it BUILT upon?