Title: “Your Day Arrives When You Least Expected, Are You Ready?”

Death is the one appointment no human can cancel. It comes suddenly, often without warning, and it asks only one question: Are you ready?  

Jimmy Cliff’s haunting words in his song, "House of Exile" remind us of this truth: “Your day arrives when you least expected…” The Bible echoes this same urgency.

Scripture Reflection: 

- Ecclesiastes 9:12 – “Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.”  

- Hebrews 9:27 – “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…”  

- Matthew 24:44 – “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”  

These verses remind us that death is not a respecter of age, wealth, or status. It comes to the young and old alike, sometimes in the quiet of sleep, sometimes in the chaos of life.  

Bible Stories of Sudden Death.

- The Rich Fool (Luke 12:16–21): A man stored up treasures for himself, planning for many years of ease. But God said, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.” His day arrived when he least expected.  

- Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11): They lied to the Holy Spirit, and death came instantly. Their story warns us that deceit and hypocrisy can cut life short.  

- Stephen (Acts 7): Though young and full of faith, Stephen’s day arrived suddenly through persecution. Yet he was ready, seeing the heavens open and Christ standing at the right hand of God.  

Reflection: Life is fragile. We plan for tomorrow, but tomorrow is not promised. The question is not if death will come, but when. And when it does, will we be found in Christ?  

- Are we living in repentance and faith?  

- Are we storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth?  

- Are we walking in love, forgiveness, and obedience?  

Call to Readiness: Paul declares in 2 Timothy 4:7–8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…”  

This is the testimony of someone ready for his day. Our readiness is not in wealth, achievements, or fame, but in Christ alone.  

Prayer: Lord, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12). Help us to live each moment in readiness, not in fear, but in faith. May our lives glorify You, so that when our day arrives, whether soon or later, we will be found in Christ, ready to enter Your eternal rest. Amen.  

PS: 

The great Jimmy Cliff, a reggae artist from Jamaica passed on at 81 years of age, on 24th of November 2025. He sang this song from which I took this phrase over 60 years ago. May we live long in health and faith in Jesus' name Amen.

©Dr Joel Olanrewaju,  gbemide09@gmail.com. Please share this devotional with your contacts to wake them up to reality of life. I expect your reactions.