Beech Tree News Network

It is a fact that death will come to everyone. “The living know that they will die” (Ecc. 9:5). Yet, what does the Bible say about death? What can we learn from God that provides insight into this part of our life?
First, let us understand that we have no promise of tomorrow. The book of James records the well-known words, “You do not know what tomorrow will bring, What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time, and then vanishes” (Jas. 4:14). Job also comments about the brevity of life, saying, “My life is a breath” and, “Man who is born of a woman is few of days, and full of trouble” (Job 7:7, 14:1). We have no promise of seeing another day (Prov. 27:1)!
Another fact about death is that it is a great equalizer. Since Genesis 3, death has been with man, and it will be this way until the end of time (I Cor. 15:26).  Death is not just something experienced by the “poor” and “unknowns” of this world. Death will come to all. Job stated this great truth when he wrote of the “kings and counselors of the earth … princes … the wicked … the weary … the prisoners … the small and great …  and the servant” who have died (Job 3:14-19). Death will come to us regardless of our age, gender, race, or anything else. It is a great equalizer.
Death ends all earthly plans and intentions. The obituary page is full of those who had intentions and plans for the upcoming week, month, and year. Those things will not be accomplished by them. Once the spirit separates from the body and produces physical death (Jas. 2:26), whatever plans or intentions a person has for the future, he will never do. Since this is the case, it places great emphasis upon each one of us to make sure we are right with God and ready for death. God places emphasis upon preparing “now” for eternity. The apostle Paul told the Corinthians, “Behold now is the day of salvation” (II Cor. 6:2).  Again, the words of the Holy Spirit ring true when we read, “Today if you will hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Heb. 3:7-8, 15). We see emphasis placed upon the “now” and “today” because death will bring an end to our work. This is why Jesus said, “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no man can work” (Jn. 9:4). Let us learn the lesson!

    Death shows us that our life is fragile. People today act as if they are going to live forever. Yet, we know this is not the case. Solomon said, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring” (Prov. 27:1). Truer words were never said! Our lives can change in drastic ways over the course of just one day (Jas. 4:13-15)! When we appreciate the truth revealed by God, we must ask, not how much money is in our bank account, or how big our house is, or how many people like us. Rather, we need to ask two questions: in what condition are our souls, and are we on the Lord’s side?

    This life is fragile and things are constantly changing. Since this is the case, we need to trust in the One who is unchanging (Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8). The wise man wrote, “It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart” (Ecc. 7:2). Therefore, let us lay these truths to heart and prepare for eternity. Do you need to have your sins forgiven and become a Christian (Mk. 16:16)? Do it before it is too late. Don’t wait for another day. You may not get one!

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program on 1570 AM at 8:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167