LIFE IS SHORT, DEATH IS SURE, ETERNITY AWAITS

“We have finished our years like a sigh.”

As I write, an Asia-Pacific-wide economic conference is in progress in this city. Red carpets are

rolled out, the press stands at the ready, police sirens blare, and people gawk as the influential

and powerful confer over economic policies affecting tens of millions of lives.

Impressive. Daunting.

Recently the founder of a FORTUNE 500 company passed into eternity. I had the privilege of

knowing this man and his family. He was impressive! Daunting!

Shortly after his death, his son dined in our home and told of his father’s waning months,

as cancer slowly took its toll. This once powerful giant of American industry withered into

a shell, finding the most basic functions a chore.

He had, as the Psalmist forewarned, “finished [his] years like a sigh” (or “ whisper”).

And that will be the inevitable conclusion of these powerful leaders attending this Asia-

Pacific economic conference… As it will also be with us.

PERSPECTIVE is what is needed here: Life is short. Death is sure. Eternity awaits us.

Just walk through a cemetery and observe the infamous and the unknowns, along with the

rich and powerful. All share the same piece of real estate.

There is no status in a cemetery.

Just as men share a common place of burial, men apart from Christ—regardless of “stand-

ing,” will meet God in a common judgment:

“And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and the books were opened… and

they were judged, every one of them… ” (Revelation 20:12, 13a)

The Psalmist’s wise words speak to our soul,

“So teach us to number our days that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom.”aa

QUESTION: As you contemplate the inescapable reality that your life is moving toward

death’s conclusion, are you presently applying your heart to wisdom?