“I was shown in a vision in the morning concerning a personality that would go on a long journey – a journey of no return. So we lift up our voice and pray. If it is the will of God, let the will of God be done. A personality, a famous person, a well known person that would just leave this earth and go on a journey forever. It is a personality that is not old. People still want him. We have to pray that the will of God should be done.”

These were words of prophecy uttered by Prophet T.B. Joshua in The Synagogue Church Of All Nations, Lagos Nigeria during the Sunday Service on the 13th January 2008.  

He later referred to this particular prophecy the following Sunday, 20th January 2008, saying:

“Remember the message I gave last Sunday. I don’t want to repeat it because it is not something to be excited about. It’s in the record. I will not stand here and begin to repeat that message again. If there is something to be excited about, I will repeat it. I just want to remind you.  Let’s come together. On Tuesday, you have to fast and pray”.

In adherence to the instruction to pray, thousands gathered at The Synagogue Faith Resort Ground that Tuesday 22nd January 2008 to pray and fast for the Divine mercy and favour of God.

On returning to their various homes, those that switched on their television sets were met with BREAKING NEWS. Heath Ledger, the renowned, popular, Academy Award-nominated Australian actor was found dead at 3:26pm (EST) in his Manhattan apartment, New York City. As they watched, shocked by these events, they must have recalled the message of prophecy spoken by Prophet T.B. Joshua the previous Sunday, in the church, that “A personality would go on a long journey – a journey of no return…It is a personality that is not old. People still want him”.

Heath Ledger was an internationally acclaimed, much admired and talented young actor in the peak of his career. Just 28 years old when his life tragically ended, he had featured in 17 successful Hollywood movies after starting his acting career at the age of 16.

His death devastated his family. Speaking from Ledger’s home town of Perth, Australia, Heath’s father said, “He was a down to earth, generous, kind-hearted, life-loving and selfless individual who was extremely inspirational to many”.

Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd released a statement saying, "It was with great sadness that I have learned of the passing of Heath Ledger... It is tragic that we have lost one of our nation's finest actors in the prime of his life”.

The young actor’s death is considered an international loss. True to the prophecy of the man of God that, “people still want him”, Ledger was in the process of shooting a new movie, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus at the time of his death.

In a statement issued by Warner Bros, which produced The Dark Night, the upcoming Batman feature in which Ledger plays the Joker, Alan Horn, president and chief operating officer of Warner Bros and Jeff Robinov, president of Warner Bros said: "The studio is stunned and devastated by this tragic news. The entertainment community has lost an enormous talent. Heath was a brilliant actor and an exceptional person. Our hearts go out to his family and friends".

Millions worldwide have been sending in their heartfelt regret at such a monumental loss. Hollywood is reported to be in a state of shock, as many of the star’s colleagues offer their condolences.  Renowned actors hailing from his native Australia, said:

“I had such great hope for him. He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family” - Mel Gibson.		“He is one of my favourite actors. His abilities are rare…it’s a tremendous loss. It’s hard to be here celebrating Australia under these circumstances” - John Travolta.		“What a tragedy. My heart goes out to his family” -Nicole Kidman.		It is tragic that we have lost one of our nation's finest actors in the prime of his life” -Kevin Rudd
This prophecy and its fulfilment show that God Almighty is indeed sovereign. He is omnipresent, omniscient and holds the world in His hands. “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7). For more information regarding Heath Ledger, see BBC News CNN To see footage from this prophecy, watch Emmanuel TV
REFLECTIONS

In the wake of this tragedy, one can only reflect on the uncertainties of life. As the psalmist cried out to God in the book of Psalm 39: 4-7, “"Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you.  Each man's life is but a breath”.
You can never tell when your time is coming. Like a bird suddenly caught in a trap, like fish suddenly caught in a net, you can never tell. As the preacher puts it,

Ecclesiastes 9:11
“I returned and saw under the sun that—
The race is not to the swift,
Nor the battle to the strong,
Nor bread to the wise,
Nor riches to men of understanding,
Nor favour to men of skill;
But time and chance happen to them all”.

Life is too short to waste on things that have no lasting value or significance. It is not how long you live but how you live that counts. Therefore, make the most of life. See every minute as important and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.

Will you and I be around next week, next month, next year? It is surely reasonable to make plans for the future but we must always do so with an awareness of life’s uncertainties. Will you be around tomorrow? Let this question prompt you to live faithfully for our Lord Jesus Christ today.

To reflect further, read Prophet T.B. Joshua’s message, “Will You Be Around Tomorrow?” (PDF Format).