Something To Die For

Two major events pierce our human existence on a regular basis, those being Birth and Death. One is greeted with joy, the other brings mourning. The purpose of birth is to populate the earth, as well as form a new creation in the likeness of father and mother. One purpose of death could be to de-populate the earth.

Outside of a few who claim to have lived previous lives, we all recognize that our beginnings only go back as far as we can remember, coupled with the testimony of those witnessing our birth. However, no one as yet has come back from the Other Side to explain the unknown in sufficient detail with credibility, in my opinion. Jesus did. Lazarus did too, but nobody recorded what he said about his time in the tomb for four days. And Jesus had plenty to say about the afterlife BEFORE he died. Because he had come from there.

Benjamin Franklin said, "But in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." Some might want to add that they live in a country that is certain of death BY taxes. We all face the end of our lives in different ways. Lives snuffed out quickly in an accident or murder. Lingering diseases that end with the disease winning. Or bodies just wearing out and needing an eternal rest. In all cases the body must respond to the ultimate summons --- and yield.

I think that, since the end is inevitable, we should shift our focus to the purpose. Here's some basics, if you choose to believe them: Death is not a coffin, but a door; God loves you and wants you to trust him; You may be VERY surprised to find that what is beyond that door was not what you had expected (or had been taught); finally, God so wants you to live life to the full each day, because death is not the end, but more life with even greater experiences.

Jesus spoke a lot about doing his Father's will. He was the consummate, obedient Son. His death wasn't an accident. (By the way, you often hear, "He/she met an untimely death." Since when is it ever a good time to die?) Jesus died because God wanted him to experience everything that we felt and feared. The greatest importance of his death was that he was WILLING to die. No other voice could deter him from this mission.

God has mapped out a plan for each of us. We're on his time timetable. Our lives are filled with purpose. Our deaths are timely. By living or dying, we will always affect the lives of those around us. The writer to the Hebrews (NT) says that as long as it is called TODAY, we can change the course of our lives by becoming obedient to our creator. It is not likely that any of us will be literally nailed to a cross, but by following Christ we can willingly face any tribulation and, when the time comes, say, "It is finished. Into your hands I commit my spirit."

That's my prayer.
STEVE