By Chinelo Okeke
The Anglican Bishop of Amichi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor, has reminded Christians that a day of harvest and reckoning awaits everyone, urging believers to live righteous lives in preparation for eternity.
Bishop Ikeakor made the call on July 9 during the burial service of Late Barrister Mrs. Obianuju Ijeoma Umeh Ochiora (née Okeke) at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Delivering his sermon, the Bishop quoted Hebrews 9:27, stressing that it is appointed unto man to die once and after that comes judgment, urging Christians to remain steadfast in faith.
He expressed concern over the declining commitment of many people toward God’s work and obedience to His commandments, emphasizing that genuine faith must be reflected through righteous living and total submission.
The cleric noted that no one knows when God, the owner of the harvest, will call anyone home, stressing that this reality demands daily preparedness, vigilance, and unwavering commitment to godly living.
Bishop Ikeakor explained that God alone determines the time of every person’s departure from the world, maintaining that no individual can question His authority or influence His divine decisions.
He warned the congregation against careless living, reminding them that life belongs entirely to God, who alone has the authority to give life and take it according to His will.
The Bishop described the late Barrister Mrs. Obianuju Ijeoma Umeh Ochiora as one who had completed her earthly journey, urging mourners to live worthy lives in anticipation of the final day of reckoning.
The burial service was attended by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, former Attorney General Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, Permanent Secretaries, Directors, members of the Nigerian Bar Association, Aguata Branch, and other dignitaries.
Chinelo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
