Luke 9:25-27 “’What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.’”
This was a stern warning to would-be Jesus followers about life choices and values. It was also a startling reminder that life is short. Some of the followers that day had less than a year to live and didn’t know it.
Principle: A death certificate eventually follows a birth certificate as certainly as eternal life follows a born-again decision.
Mark Twain said that he wished he knew where he would die because he would never go near the place.
In a 200-year study of obituaries it was noted that until the 21st century obituaries focused on the character of the person and his relationships. In the 21st century, the focus has turned toward accomplishments of the deceased – his wealth, his family connections and what he did, as opposed to what he was.
Many people consider themselves immortal, or at least that they are going to live for decades. Young people have that misunderstanding. Yet, every day those who die follow those who are already dead. Somebody wisely said; a person should not think himself far from one who died only two days before. Life flows by like a flood.
To put it all into perspective, take time to read the obituary column. It reminds us that there is more to life than becoming a Fortune 500 CEO or a billionaire.
For God’s children, death is climaxed by resurrection and then eternal life. The good news is that “he who lives and believes in Me shall never die.” (John 11:25)
Discussion:
1. Under normal circumstance, what is your life expectancy in years?
2. What are some normal things that a prudent person should do to prepare for death?
3. Thinking in legacy terms, what are some things you would you like to have included in your obituary?
