The Brevity and Uncertainty of Life
We all like to think that we will live at least an average life span, if not a long life. But the experience of millions of people has been that of only a few years, filled with doubt and uncertainty. Seemingly healthy young people suddenly die of killer diseases. Careful folks have lost their lives in accidents. Countless people in every walk of life have died in storms or adverse weather conditions. And all too many have been suddenly killed by war and violent crime.
God has taught us extensively in His Word not to count on tomorrow in this life:
"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil." James 4:13-16
Jesus told a parable of a rich farmer who thought he had time to spare: "And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:16-21
A premature death can happen to anyone, whether a person has done anything to bring it on or not. God is sovereign over the lives and affairs of men, and His reasons for allowing certain events and circumstances are often multiple and complex. We cannot fully understand all of His ways, but we are assured of His love, mercy and grace whatever happens to us. God wants us to trust in Him and look forward expectantly to eternity with Him, not trusting in man or a certain number of years here on earth. Only then can we be steadfast and effective for His sake: "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 hand-breadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it. But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you."
Psalm 39:4-7
Believe, Admit, Repent, Receive JESUS CHRIST!
Hebrews 11:6 Romans 10:9 Acts 3:19 John 1:12
Don't Die Guilty!