Life on this earth is so uncertain. We are constantly at risk on the streets and highways for a fatal or disabling accident. Heart disease, cancer, stroke, and other health hazards are continual threats. While in school our children are at risk from some disturbed student who wants to “get even” with a gun. Road rage has become an increased danger as schedules are tighter and highways more crowded. The threat of a nuclear world war is ever before us because of some egotistical, power-hungry sovereign. Whether it’s a kid with a grudge and a gun, or a national leader with a grudge and a bomb, or one who threatens to produce weapons of mass destruction, human life means nothing to those who are spiritually destitute. The terrorists pose a constant threat in our day, yes, even in America.
While life is uncertain, and it always has been, those who are wise live in preparation for the better life. We are going to die sooner or later. (Hebrews 9:27) Regardless of how, when, or where, the important thing is how we live until we die. Faithful Christians are confident that when the time comes, regardless of the circumstances, it will be “far better.” (Philippians 1:23) In the meantime, we can have the “peace that passes understanding” (Philippians 4:7) “hope as an anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:19); and “joy inexpressible.” (1 Peter 1:8)
The uncertainty of life is emphasized in scripture. James wrote, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14) It was Job who said, “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle…Oh remember that my life is a breath.” (Job 7:6,7) He also said, “Now my days are swifter than a runner; they flee away, they see no good. They pass by like swift ships, like an eagle swooping on its prey.” (Job 9:25,26)
In view of life’s uncertainty, we must be ready to leave this old world at any time. Some are blessed with time to prepare in view of the imminent approach of death. Hezekiah, king of Judah, was sick and near death when God sent Isaiah to tell him to set his house in order for he was going to die. (II Kings 20:1ff) As a result of Hezekiah’s prayer, and God’s purpose for the king, he was permitted to live another fifteen years. When the doctor tells someone that they have only a short while to live, then life becomes even more precious to them. So does preparation for eternity. However, in most cases, death strikes without warning. That’s why our house must ever be in order. Many wait too late to prepare. There are too many other things to do. I’ll prepare tomorrow. And sometimes tomorrow never comes. Solomon wrote, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” (Proverbs 27:1) How true…How true.
Richard