Such Is Life
Life is fleeting and ephemeral, and we must seek a more lasting light and spiritual preparation for the grave and judgment.
C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the fleeting nature of life, using vivid metaphors such as a bubble, a gourd, and a meteor to illustrate its brevity and the importance of seeking lasting fulfillment in God. He urges listeners to recognize the transience of earthly pleasures and to turn to Jesus, the eternal source of hope and shelter. Spurgeon emphasizes the urgency of preparing for eternity, encouraging individuals to contemplate their mortality and seek a relationship with Christ, who offers enduring joy and salvation.
Text
Such is LIFE. A bubble, brilliant with rainbow hues, delighting the eye of youth for a moment and then gone for ever, leaving not a trace behind. Man wilt thou risk thine all upon that bubble? Be wise and seek substantial good, and since this can ne'er be found beneath the skies, cry to the God of Heaven for his gracious aid. Such is LIFE. A gourd, like that of Jonah, which cometh up in a night and dieth in a night. Wilt thou make its leaves thine only shelter? Then what wilt thou do when the gourd is withered and the hot sun of divine wrath scorches thee?
O that thou wouldst fly to Jesus who is the shadow of a great rock in a weary land! Such is LIFE. A meteor blazing its moment and then lost in darkness! If thou be sane thou wilt desire another and more lasting light than this can give thee! The Sun of Righteousness Shines on for ever. Such is LIFE. Like the swift ship which skims the deep and soon disappears beneath the horizon's line! Shall thy happiness be as fleeting as this? Dost thou not long for a more enduring joy? Such is LIFE.
As the eagle which hasteth to its prey, so passeth away thine earthly existence! Whither art thou flying? Immortal Spirit, to what country art thou bound? Thou canst not pause, but thou mayest think, and it may be the Lord may turn thee heavenwards! Such is LIFE. An arrow speeding from a bow, a hart bounding over the plain. Speed is found in its highest degree in our life; none can outrun it. O friend, art thou ready for the grave and the judgment? for in a few days thou must know more of them than now.
Such is LIFE. A flower which bloometh for a little season and then withereth away. Ye young, ye gay, ye proud, are ye so silly as to dream that your earthly life will last for ever? Think of your latter end, and seek that friend, who will be with you in life and in death, even Jesus, the sinner's Saviour.
Sermon Outline
- The Fleeting Nature of Life
- The Unreliability of Earthly Happiness
- The Urgency of Spiritual Preparation
- Life is like an arrow, speeding towards its end
- Life is like a flower, blooming briefly then withering away
Key Quotes
“Man wilt thou risk thine all upon that bubble?” — C.H. Spurgeon
“O that thou wouldst fly to Jesus who is the shadow of a great rock in a weary land!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“The Sun of Righteousness Shines on for ever.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Seek substantial good and cry out to God for His gracious aid.
- Fly to Jesus, who is the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.
- Prepare for the grave and judgment by seeking Jesus, the sinner's Saviour.