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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.”
Good News about Death
By Bob Prichard
www.oxfordchurchofchrist.com |
