BEYOND – Day 14

In the Middle East, a fable is told of a merchant in Baghdad who sent his servant to the marketplace on an errand. While the servant was there, he turned a corner and unexpectedly encountered the specter of Death.

Terrified at the look on the dark figure’s face as it looked at him, he hurried home and told his master what had happened. He asked for his fastest horse so he could get as far away from Death as possible… a horse that could run all the way to Sumeria.

The master granted his request and later that day the merchant himself encountered the dark specter in the marketplace. “Why did you startle my servant early this morning?” the master asked. “I didn’t intend to startle your servant… it was he who startled me! I was surprised to see your servant this morning because I had an appointment with him tonight… in Sumeria.”

The Bible makes it clear. “It is appointed unto man once to die… and then comes the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27) There will be no second chance to change our minds… as we die so shall we be… forever.

As I finish this article, the news has just released a report that the musician, Prince has died at age 57. For some, that age may seem too old for a man to wear makeup and garish clothing. But then again there’s Alice Cooper. But Prince certainly didn’t die at an old age. Actually 57 is pretty young for a person to pass away. Prince died in an elevator in his home… little knowing that the last thing he would do in life was to watch those doors close on his life. I don’t know what Prince believed. I hope he was ready for the appointment.

For the one who has trusted Christ as Savior, the transition from this life to eternity will be no more difficult than walking from one room of your house into the next. But for the one who rejected Christ… who lived the entirety of their life impenitently, without repentance… eternal punishment awaits.

One appointment. For every person. As one friendly undertaker used to sign on all of his correspondence, “Eventually Yours.” Death will come one day for us all. And when it comes, make sure your appointment leads you to a glorious eternity!


FOR MEMORIZATION: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.   Romans 6:23

FOR REFLECTION: If you have never repented and trusted Christ, pray a prayer like this:

“Dear Heavenly Father, I know I have sinned against You and Your Holiness. I turn from my disobedience and ask Jesus Christ to enter my life and occupy the throne of my heart. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for dying in my place and for my sin. I bow before You as my Savior.”

Now follow Jesus. Find a body of believers to worship with. God has given you new life that is ETERNAL! Rejoice in that always.

 

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