Before I get into the heart of this blog, let me preface my remarks by stating clearly I know that some will probably take offense at my topic. I assure you, I am not trying to be morbid, focusing on a sensitive topic that may seem a little over the top. My purpose, stated at the outset, is based on a conversation my wife and I had as we continue to see the proliferation of this pandemic which has rocked the world. We had a heart-to-heart discussion on something I feel we all need to get real about: our impending death.

I realize that some will tune me out and read no further. But I sincerely ask that you hear me out, and hold your judgments until the end of this blog. I assure you my intent is that we simply think seriously about some matters of grave (no pun intended) concern. I am going to approach this topic from three different perspectives: the eternal, the temporal, and the daily.

First, let’s get real about the eternal. Man was created to live forever. The life we live now is temporary. The Bible makes it clear that death is a reality for each of us. Read carefully the following words:

“It is appointed unto all men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

Hebrews 9:27

Please allow those sobering words to sink in for a few moments. The gravity of this statement cannot be overemphasized. We will all, each and every one of us, die. Physical death is an absolute reality that none can escape. And the verse further states that after death – yes, there is something after this life – we will be judged. The eternal realm is real, and we will all dwell forever in that realm.

This life offers each individual the opportunity to choose where they will live after they suffer physical death. The Bible makes it clear that there are but two possibilities: heaven, or hell. Even though the world offers many different roads which lead into heaven, the Bible offers only one: Jesus Christ. Once again, the words of Jesus Himself teach clearly this phenomenal truth:

” I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

John 14:6

As we face this world-wide pandemic, it would be wise for each of us to make sure we have acted upon this truth. Let’s get real, the vast majority of us will survive Covid-19, but 100% of us will die. Our physical existence will not last forever in this present reality. We will pass through the valley of death. It will be then that we will face judgment. For the believer in Jesus Christ, it will be at the Judgement Seat of Christ, where we will be judged according to our works for the Lord since the time of our salvation. For the unbeliever, it will be at the Great White Throne Judgment of God, where they will be judged for their rejection of Jesus Christ. The former will then celebrate the Wedding Supper of the Lamb, while the latter will be cast into the lake of fire, where they will remain in torment eternally.

Please take a moment and make sure that your name is inscribed in the Lamb’s book of life. Make sure that you are saved by the blood of the Lamb. Once you have that issue settled, then come what may in this life, you know by faith that whatever we suffer in this present life is not worthy to be compared with the glory set before us in the presence of our Lord and Savior.

Second, let’s get real about the temporal. This life is temporary. Some will live relatively healthy lives, and die peacefully in their sleep at a ripe old age. Others will not fare quite so well. Some will have chronic diseases which cause suffering at different levels of intensity. Still others will contract illnesses that will cause intense suffering until it ultimately takes their life. It matters not which category we personally fall into, the fact remains that this life is temporary. James puts it rather bluntly in his epistle:

“Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring – what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes.”

James 4:14

Have you ever watched the vapor rising from a boiling pot of water? Have you noticed how quickly it vanishes as it rises into the air above the pot? Here one moment; gone the next. According to James, that is analogous of our lives. We are here but for a brief blip on the time-line of life. It doesn’t matter if we live to be 20, 30, 60, 90, or even 100. The fact remains that in comparison to eternity it is just a blip, a blink of the eye, a vapor, here one moment and gone the next.

What are we to do as we live out this brief blip of time? For the believer, the answer is extremely simple. Jesus spoke of this on many occasions, using many word pictures to illustrate the point. Just a few will suffice to reveal Jesus’ mandate for each of His followers:

“You are the salt of the earth…. You are the light of the world.”

Matthew 5:13, 14

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:19-21

These words show clearly where our focus should be, even while we live in this temporal body made of clay. We are to be focused on the eternal realm, while enjoying this temporary blip in time. We are to live this life for the glory of God, being salt and light in a world filled with decay and darkness.

Jesus’ mandate is then expounded upon by the Apostle Paul. Read carefully his words found in his letter to the Ephesians:

“Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to live worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Ephesians 4:1-3

We should live our lives in humility, gentleness, patience and love. We are to be shining examples of Jesus’ grace, compassion and mercy in the face of anything and everything this life throws our way.

Finally, let’s get real about the daily. Hear the words of the psalmist, which hopefully will provide the impetus necessary to maintain a proper outlook as we go about our daily lives:

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalm 118:24

Please understand the emphasis on the word “this”. The psalmist was obviously speaking of the specific day during which he made the statement. The truth is that “this” day would point to every day. I can say today, “this day,” and then say tomorrow, “this day,” and the next, and the next, ad infinitum. Every day is “this day”. And what am I to do this day? Rejoice and be glad! It matters not what this day may hold – it is a day to rejoice and be glad. And tomorrow? The same. And every day, the same.

Our lives as believers are to bring glory to God, every day that we live and breathe. During these days of witnessing the world literally shut down due to the fear of the corona virus, we are to maintain a life focused on what is real, lasting, and eternal. The night will pass; the sun will shine again on a new day; each day will present challenges of its own; and through it all, God is on His throne and cannot be moved.

So, let’s get real. Let’s make up our minds to live each day in light of the fact that each day we live only adds up to a temporal existence which will one day end for each of us, but will then usher us into the eternal realm. For those who are born again believers, bought with the precious blood of the Lamb, that will be the eternal blessing of God’s presence. For those who have chosen to reject God’s gracious offer of salvation, that will be eternal suffering in the lake of fire, forever separated from God’s goodness and grace.

I hope and pray that your response can be the same as the Apostle Paul. I leave you this week with his words:

“For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Philippians 1:21