“And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof. 15 Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all good things are come upon you, which the LORD your God promised you; so shall the LORD bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.” (Joshua 23:14-15) “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: 20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” (Deut. 30:19-20)

The death of my wife’s nephew and the scriptures above bring to thought a numbers of truths in regard to man and the reality of death. In this article after a few comments about the above scriptures I want to discuss several truths death should teach each of us.

From the above scriptures we are assured that death is indeed a reality and the common end of all mankind. We also find the assurance that all of God’s promises are, and will be, kept. Another fact is that man holds the key to his eternal destiny. Also a reality is the fact that when we fail to keep God’s will in our life, we lose His blessing! God has indeed set life and death before us. We make the choice which of those we will receive. The final point I would make from the above scriptures is that the choice we make will also affect the manner and true quality of life we have in our pilgrimage upon God’s earth. Now let us notice the things that death really make important and the things that death makes less or unimportant at all.

First, death makes one’s relationship with God of utmost importance. Regardless of what other feats man might can claim, wealth, fame, conquests they become totally insignificant if one does not have a right relationship with God. “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Cor. 4: 16-18) But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1 Tim. 6:6-7). “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For who­soever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” (Luke 9:23-25) Men spends too much time on the temporary things of this life and very little on his soul and eternity. “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” (Matt. 10:37). Our Lord in this verse expresses just how important having a right relationship with Him really is. What is tragic is that many that believe that they have a right relationship with God and Christ do not. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21-23 cf. Heb.5:8-9)

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Just professing faith in Jesus as the Son of God, without submitting to His complete will, will not prepare one for death and eternity. Sadly many “plan to obey” God’s will but keep putting it off until it is too late. Dear ones don’t be in that number!

We will notice next that our families are also very important to us.

©Garry Barnes