What does it take to remind you of your own mortality? We consider it foolhardy to dwell at length on death, and rightly so. There is too much to live for and enjoy that should keep us focused on life instead of death. Even so, we are surrounded by and are constantly reminded of death – ours and the death of others.
To pursue or desire death is often considered a form of mental illness. Still, the day will come when we painfully receive one of those dreaded phone calls informing us of the death of a loved one or friend.
The age described in Psalm 90:10 gives us a reminder of the brevity of life, roughly 70 years, and especially of our need to be prepared for the death that will surely come.
“The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”
By reason of strength many of us have already surpassed those 70 years, and each day thereafter becomes what some call borrowed time.
I received one of those calls last Thursday night. A close friend of over 55 years passed from this life in California. In the 90s he bought land here in Dripping Springs and planned on moving here. Family ties, however, and other matters rendered that impossible.
I was a guest in his home during most of the summer of 1957, and we communicated often during the years that followed our graduation. It will take a while for me to let the news of his death “sink in.” He had obeyed the gospel, and his personal life and morals were impeccable. I would like to think of a reunion in eternity, but that must remain an unknown for the present.
We need not fear death, though we know death is inevitable unless our Lord returns first. Knowing that does not make death a pleasant topic for all. Paul, the apostle was given word that his time of “departure” was “at hand,” 2 Timothy 4:6. The details of his death are not revealed, but the fact of his preparation serves as positive motivation for all of us. His words are, “I am now ready”, and no doubt, Paul was just that – “ready.”
That term provokes the thought that one must “get” ready in order to “be” ready, and that should give us hope that we can be prepared – as Paul was prepared – having the same assurance he had.
Many today claim to be “ready” when they are not. We cannot always know of the state of readiness of others, but if we see them neglecting or rejecting that which the Bible teaches, we can be sure that their “readiness” is highly questionable.
What is our role in the “readiness” of others? We cannot do for them what they themselves must do. We must teach, but man’s relationship with God must begin in the heart of each individual, then result in that change of life mandated by the Bible word “repent.” It means a “change of mind leading to and including a change of life.” It includes remorse and regret for past sins and, as stated by W. E. Vine in his Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, one’s repentance is both a “turning from sin and a turning to God,” page 281.
Before we can exercise our influence upon others in their walk with God we must first prepare our own souls, as did Paul. Truly, Bible words from the mouth of one who refuses God’s word are hollow indeed.
Those with whom we become friends in this world can have a significant impact on our life. My friend Dave was such an influence for me. As a result I have great hope for his soul.
Today is a preparation for eternity. Note these words:
“…it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” That “dreaded” phone call will come, but it need not be a sad one.
