The man is tired and nauseated daily. Living is a constant struggle. He’s a great person of faith. He has a large church family. They are loving and supportive. Doctors have told him, “You are dying.”
Some “live to a ripe old age” of 100-PLUS. Not many of us will become centenarians. We know that this life and this world are temporary. Yet, the terminal septuagenarian does not fear death. He has known for many years that his earthly existence would onedayabruptlyend. Itwillalso end for you. Life will abruptly end for all who read this article. No one in your family or circle of friends can remain here indefinitely.
God, through His prophet, Moses, says: “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations…you are God. You turn people back to dust, saying, Return to dust, you mortals. A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by…Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death— they are like the new grass… In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. All our days pass away…we finish our days with a moan. Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet they quickly pass, and we fly away…Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. How long will it be…Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad.” (Psalms 90:1-17).
This can be read as a cry for understanding. We are all faced with finality. Being part of the New Testament church will not prevent it from coming to you. But the tremendous comfort and fellowship you’ll have being part of God’s loving people, the church, means you will not face death alone. You don’t have to face death with fear (Gal 3:26, 27, 29)! Not when you belong to Jesus.
James writes about the temporal life of all humans: “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” ( James4:14).
You may suffer, but God sustains (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The first Christians were not exempt from suffering, nor dying, but they had each other to face the uncertainties of life (Acts 2:42). Possibly, more than ever, you need the church. Who needs the church? All of us!