I am delighted to welcome Tony to the 70Plus Club and the spirit of our mutual
beloved friend, in the person of Professor Francis Odemerho, join me as we
rejoice with him in entering this fabulous season of life. It is downhill from here
while he will be swallowed up in contentment enabled by God’s Grace.
Perhaps the most well-known Scripture reference to age of seventy is to be
found in the ninetieth Psalm (verse 10) “The days of our years are threescore
years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years yet is their
strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” Looking at
the recent pictures of Tony and inquiring about his daily todolist, I don’t think
we need to worry about him flying away just yet and we pray that we will be
with him to mark his fourth score in another ten years. For we all know that
Tony is a strong man sustained by his habitual, very long walks and well-toned
muscles.
Yes, he is cheerfully lively, amazing work ethics, dutiful and ever-smiling but
he is also a world-class purpose-driven scholar and a giant within the
assembly of God’s people as the Chairman of the Global Missions Board of
the Nigerian Baptist Convention. He is strong-willed and determined and a
force to be reckoned with in all spheres of his life. Across the board, he is very
much accomplished, accompanied by humility and tremendous grace.
The number 70 appears several times in the Bible but not in respect of
birthdays. In the book of the Exodus, we are told that Moses went up the
Mount Sinai accompanied by seventy elders of Israel. ‘[The Lord] said to
Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy
of the elders of Israel.” The elders were gathered with Moses before the
Mountain of the Lord; the dwelling place of God in worship at the place where
Moses would receive the commandments. Today, Tony comes to the House of
God – gathered with his family and friends – to worship the God who made him
and gave him life. He comes to give thanks for that life and for all the blessings
he has received, and we pray that God will continue to bless him.
In St Luke’s gospel, we are told that Jesus appointed seventy disciples and
sent them out in twos ahead of him to the places he would visit. On his
seventieth birthday, we give thanks for Tony’s passion for Christian
discipleship and evangelism as a follower of the Lord Jesus and a leader
within the Body of Christ.
Another occurrence of the number seventy in the Bible is after Peter asked
Jesus, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against
me? Up to seven times? “Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but
seventy times seven.” (Matthew18:21-22).
I’m sure that Tony has not put himself in a position to need forgiveness – and
be forgiven – more than seventy times. I have known Tony for more than fifty
years; I have not seen him become angry or take offense. He is even keel and
always joyful with his signature smile. Such a gentle giant and the most
peaceful, gentle, and graceful soul that I have known.
Today, as we his family and friends join him to mark this milestone in his life, it
is primarily a time for rejoicing, but it is also a time for memories. For thinking
of past birthdays and those who shared those happy days but who are not
here to share this day. On behalf of our tripartite lifelong friendship, I
acknowledge our remembrance of our mutual friend.
Today is also a day for us to give thanks to Tony for his love and friendship, his
care, loyalty, encouragement, and his compassionate presence among us. On
this day then, marked by the number 70 – though not looking a day beyond 29 –
we recall some Biblical 70s. We are reminded that like the 70 elders we have
come here to worship God in His house to renew our commitment to the Lord.
As his disciples, like the 70 he sent ahead of him throughout Galilee, that our
lives are lived by the grace of God, forgiving – and being forgiven – not seven
times but 70 times seven.
We pray that the God who made Tony will continue to bless him and give him
strength, and we wish him a very happy birthday.
Professor Isaac Megbolugbe, Swansea, Illinois, USA
August 24, 2024
Building Character for a Life of Contentment and Peace:
The Role of Discipline and Adversity
Isaac Megbolugbe, PhD, FRICS
June 7, 2024
Introduction
Retirement is often viewed as a season of relaxation and leisure, but a life of
contentment and peace is not automatically granted. According to biblical
teachings, character is the foundation upon which a fulfilling life is built, and it
is shaped by either discipline or adversity. Professor Anthony Chokor
character has been built by discipline, mine has been built mostly by
adversity. Comparing our lifestyles and careers has taught me that we both
have arrived by grace to the same season of life skilled and discipled by
different processes to a similar outcome. Welcome my friend to a season of
life where contentment and peace become your portion in Jesus Mighty
Name. Amen.
The Importance of Character
The Bible emphasizes the significance of character in various passages. In
Matthew 25:14-30, the parable of the talents highlights the importance of
faithfulness and responsibility in managing God’s gifts. Similarly, 1 Timothy
4:7-8 encourages believers to discipline themselves for the purpose of
godliness, which yields a harvest of righteousness and peace.
Discipline: A Means of Character Development
Discipline is a vital tool in shaping character. By choosing to live a disciplined
life, we can develop self-control, perseverance, and faithfulness
(1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Hebrews 12:11). The psalmist declares, “I will
discipline myself to follow Your statutes; I will not forget Your word” (Psalm
119:33).
Adversity: A Refining Fire
Adversity, though difficult, can also refine and strengthen our character.
James 1:2-4 encourages believers to consider trials as opportunities for
growth, leading to maturity and completeness. The apostle Paul testifies to
the transformative power of adversity in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, where he
shares how his thorn in the flesh led to a deeper reliance on God’s grace.
Conclusion
A life of contentment and peace in retirement is built on the foundation of
character, shaped by either discipline or adversity. Embracing these
processes, we can develop the character necessary to protect our talents and
relationships, leading to a fulfilling life that honors God. We praise God for
making Professor Anthony Chokor a beautiful beacon of character-filled life-a
glorious role model to us all. Happy Birthday @ 70.
References:
– Matthew 25:14-30
– 1 Timothy 4:7-8
– 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
– Hebrews 12:11
– Psalm 119:33
– James 1:2-4
– 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
“deep calling on deep” , 70s welcome 70 glory be to God. Many happy returns sir.