As the hymn says, “This world is not my home . . . ” and though we know this logically, in spite of all  we do, we become enmeshed into this world, and its cares.  I was speaking of this subject today with my friend.  He realizes it also, and though we love life, our families, and friends, we also know that one day we each will face death. . . . . . .and then what?

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: . . . .”
Hebrews 9:27

“For all our days are passed away in Thy wrath:  we spend our years as a tale that is told.
The days of our years are threescore years and ten;  and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow;  for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”   Psalms 90:10

As I write this, I am reminded of a sermon I heard, and a graphic that was drawn.  The preacher drew a straight line, and marked about one inch of that line, and it represented man’s life.  About 70 years or so.  To the right of that line was marked eternity and that line stretched out infinitely.  There will never be an end.  …and regardless of when He returns, our time on this earth ends the day that we die.  Over the past couple of days I have learned of two that died unexpectedly, a child, and an adult.  Death knows no age, and knowing that, we should understand the tragic brevity of life.

“Lord, Make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is;  that I may know how frail I am.  Behold, Thou hast made my days as an handbreadth;  and mine age is as nothing before Thee:  verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity.  Surely every man walketh in a vain shew:  surely they are disquieted in vain:  he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.”
Psalms 39:4-6

“Whatever can happen at any time can happen today.”      ~ Seneca

I have heard some tell me that they eat right, exercise, get enough sleep and follow that statement with how long they expected to live.  How devoid of judgment to make a statement like that, for we “know not what a day may bring forth,” and we are ushered into eternity, either prepared or not.  All the more reason that we place our focus on eternity, strive to live for Him, and be prepared when that time comes.

“Boast not thyself of tomorrow;  for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”  Proverbs 27:1

As in the illustration that the preacher gave.  Life is a breath.  While we know others are passing on to their rewards, we believe we are here to stay, but we aren’t.  …and with that knowledge let us prepare for a home with Him, and the time to prepare is now.

“How deceived we are in our attachment to materials.  We call them ours when they are not.  the wealthiest and most powerful holder is but a tenant who may at any moment receive notice to vacate.  And with the notices comes the revealing question in Luke 12:20;  “Whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?”  In our extreme pursuit of possessions, this appropriate question can give our lives a new meaning by causing us to relax some of the grip on that which must be given up sooner or later anyway.”    ~ Leroy Brownlow

Eileen Light