AN APPOINTMENT IN SYMARA

In my work as a human resources manager with a local construction company I have been afforded the responsibility of providing our crew a weekly safety meeting. Some time ago it occurred to me to include a short devotional, scripture or prayer at the conclusion of my safety talk.

This week I shared the poignant story of “Molly,” a young lady of 23, who recently and unexplainably died in a one vehicle accident on a state road; just down from my house. I went on to contrast Molly’s passing with the years which God have providentially saw fit to add to my personal hour glass. Thus far, triple the lifespan allotted to this dear girl. 

It was then that I quoted one of the most ‘in your face’ verses to be found in holy scripture.

“It is appointed unto man once to die… and after this the judgment.” 

 (Hebrews 9:27)

I continued.

“Men, we simply cannot stay here. While I have lived a long life, denied to too many among us, (and I hope to reach a hundred) one day I will be relegated to a yellowing photograph, a fading memory, and perhaps a tear in someone’s eye.”

(and)

“Over 50 years ago I made the irrevocable decision to follow Jesus. I confessed my sins, welcomed Him into my heart, and my life has never been the same. I invite you to consider doing the same thing that I chose to do so long ago;”

which brings me to the following story.

A very long time ago in a faraway country there lived a benevolent king who surrounded himself with servants of the highest caliber. And one particular servant, his name was Jabez, did one thing on a daily basis and did it well. He had been delegated from a boy to purchase the choicest foods from the local market, and return the culinary resources to the head chef.

And thus, on such and such a day, Jabez set off for a nearby town. And as he was putting a pomegranate into his basket, he looked up and found himself peering into the dread face of

…Death!

Without so much as a word, Jabez dropped the almost full basket, and ran as fast as his legs could carry him back to the palace. Upon arriving he reported immediately to the king. 

“Well, Jabez. You’re quick to return to the palace. Have you already completed your purchases?”

To which his good servant exclaimed,

“Oh King. Please, you must help me. While I was in the marketplace I came face to face with Death, himself. Please allow me to borrow your horse and escape to the city of Symara.”

And without the slightest hesitation, the king made arrangements for Jabez to borrow his horse.

Having taken care of the matter, King Aliphaz summoned his best soldiers, and ordered them to escort him to town; for he would get to the bottom of this apparent affront against his servant.

Arriving in town, the king began looking for that vile creature called Death. And having found him, he challenged him.

“Oh Death, my servant was shopping in the marketplace, and claimed that you threatened him.

To which Death replied,

“Oh no, dear King. I did not threaten your servant. I was just surprised to see him. For you see, I have an appointment with him tonight

…in the city of Symara.

Indeed, each and every one of us have an appointment in Symara.


 By William McDonald, PhD. From (Mc)Donald's Daily Diary. Vol. 44. Copyright pending

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