Mike Strobe reports (Anniston Star, April 20, 2006, p. 3A) some good news about death from the National Center for Health Statistics. There were almost 50,000 fewer U.S. deaths in 2004 than in 2003, a 2 percent decrease. (These type statistics always seem to be late in coming). A 2 percent decrease is significant, because ordinarily the number of deaths increases slightly each year. In addition, the National Center for Health Statistics projects that a baby born in 2004 could expect to live to nearly 78, an increase of over half a year from 2003.

            While we rejoice that the death rate has decreased, we are sobered by the fact that, barring the return of Christ, the ultimate death rate is always 100 percent.

Moses offers these words about time and life: “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.” He then advises us, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:9-10, 12).

Of course, the really good news about death is that Jesus has prepared a place for us when this life is over. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3).

You may have many years to live, or you may not. The key is to make sure that your days are used to serve God. Let us “apply our hearts unto wisdom.”