Reflecting on the passage, John 11:23, which is centered on the theme: HE WILL RISE AGAIN, The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of Nigeria, His Grace, the Most Rev Henry Chukwudum NDUKUBA, assured the family of Late Bishop Jolly Ehigiator Oyekpen, the wife, children, the Sympathizer and mourners, that their, brother, husband and father and Bishop will rise again.
His Grace, made this assertion during his sermon at the funeral service of Late Bishop Jolly Ehigiator Oyekpen, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Iruekpen, the home Church of the deceased, in Esan Diocese, Edo State.
He encouraged the wife, the Church and all mourners in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ to Mary and Martha at the tomb of Lazarus, that their Brother is not dead but sleeping in the Lord, and will rise again.
The primate, who at this point could not control his emotions, noted that nothing happens without God approvals, and with more assured references, he explained that Baba Jolly knew of his going home to meet with the Lord, his maker, hence it pleased God to call him to rest, there is always a time to labour and there is a time to rest, so take solace in God that this is not unto death, he is resting in hope, Primate Ndukuba affirmed.
Describing the life of our late father and Bishop, Primate Ndukuba describe the life and ministries of Late Bishop Jolly as one established in truthfulness, trustworthy, evangelical with all sincerity of thoughts and purpose. He maintained that Bishop Jolly will always stand for the truth, and will say it the way it is, without painting it, without fear or favour, no matter whose ox is gugged.
He further X-rayed the account of Lazarus, death and the hope of life after death, and reiterated that Bishop Jolly is not dead, but he is sleeping in the Lord. He added that as God was honoured in the life and ministries of Bishop Jolly, so also God is glorified today onto his death, for with God , there is no difference between living and death, as it is expedient that one day every man shall all answer this eminent call of nature, and will give account of his/her stewardship be the creator.
People of God, he acclaimed with emotions, God is God in all situations, if He had not allowed the death of His servant, it would have not have happened, hence God is never late to come to our rescue at all situations, He knew the end of it from the beginning, so have this mind set that our brother and father is not dead, but even though he dies, he will rise again. There is resurrection for who ever that died in Christ, resurrection is the anti-dose for death, so there is hope that Bishop Jolly will rise again, the Primate reaffirmed.
By Sam Afam Anukwu.
