The Daily Blade: Episode #164

Guest: Kyle Thompson
Date: August 18, 2025
Title: "A Time to Be Born, and a Time to Die"

Episode Overview

In this episode, hosts Joby Martin and Kyle Thompson explore the famous passage from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: “For everything there is a season…” The discussion centers on God’s sovereignty over life and death, and how Christians should view their time on earth—as a responsibility to be stewarded faithfully and a call to ultimate hope in Christ’s resurrection. Thompson guides listeners through both Old and New Testament passages, ultimately urging a personal response to the gospel.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ecclesiastes and Solomon's Reflections

• [00:20] Kyle introduces the week’s focus: Ecclesiastes 3, attributed to Solomon reflecting on life’s lessons near his end.

• Solomon addresses the futility of life and the dangers of chasing worldly things apart from God.

• Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 is read aloud, emphasizing that all events have their divinely appointed season.

  “The key doctrine of what follows is God’s providence. God’s sovereignty is applicable in all seasons, and his involvement in the affairs of this world never ceases.”
  — Kyle Thompson [01:40]

2. A Time to Be Born and a Time to Die

• Thompson zooms in on verse 2: "a time to be born and a time to die."

• Main point: God alone is Lord of both life and death. Birth and death are not random—they’re under His sovereign control.

• This reality can seem “dour” but should actually be comforting: no life is accidental or meaningless.

  “The beginning of our lives are not random, and the ending of our lives are not random. Everything and everyone lives and dies in the purview of the sovereign will of our Creator.”
  — Kyle Thompson [02:10]

3. Stewarding the Dash (Your Life)

• We’re called to steward well the time given to us.

• Thompson shares an anecdote about Dakota Meyer (Medal of Honor recipient), who talks about “owning the dash”—that is, living intentionally in the space between birth and death.

  “One day, all of our fleshly bodies will be buried in a wooden box…a tombstone with the day that we were born and the day that we died. In between: a dash. And that’s where we come in.”
  — Kyle Thompson [02:50]

4. Scriptural Comfort and Hope

- Comfort in God’s Knowledge and Sovereignty

• Psalm 139:16 is referenced to show God’s intimate foreknowledge of each life.

• God’s knowledge of us should humble us, not give us pride.

  “Before I was even a twinkle in my Father’s eye, right? God knew me. God had a plan for me, and God was calling me to himself. I mean, that doesn’t give me a big head, you know, it humbles me.”
  — Kyle Thompson [03:25]

- Hope in Christ’s Resurrection

• John 11:24-27 is discussed (Jesus and Martha after Lazarus’s death).

• Even as Christians face physical death, Jesus promises resurrection and eternal life.

• Thompson invites listeners to trust in Jesus for this hope.

  “There certainly is a season and a time for every matter under heaven, and a time to be born and a time to die. But for believers, we can rest assured that our earthly death is by no means the end. In the most ultimate of ways, it’s just the beginning.”
  — Kyle Thompson [04:50]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “God is the Lord of life and death.”
  — Kyle Thompson [02:10]

• “We are to steward well the time we are given.”
  — Kyle Thompson [02:40]

• “If you want everlasting life, you must repent of your sins and put your faith in Christ. If you have never done so, let today be the day I compel you to come in.”
  — Kyle Thompson [05:25]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:20] – Introduction to Ecclesiastes & Solomon’s Reflection
• [01:40] – God’s Providence and Sovereignty
• [02:10] – “A time to be born, and a time to die”
• [02:50] – “Owning the dash” — the responsibility to steward your life
• [03:25] – Psalm 139:16 & God’s foreknowledge
• [04:10] – John 11 and the assurance of resurrection
• [04:50] – Earthly death as the beginning, not the end, for believers
• [05:25] – Call to respond to the gospel invitation

Summary Tone & Style

This episode’s tone is both pastoral and direct—encouraging men to reflect deeply on the meaning and stewardship of their lives in the light of God’s sovereignty, and inviting all listeners to faith and hope in Jesus’ promise of resurrection.