Reflections On Life

I. WHAT IS OUR LIFE?

A. All of Life is on a Timetable - In the physical sense, we are born to die. But, in the spiritual sense, we are born to live. What then is our life?  It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. God knows our frame; He realizes that we are but dust. It is from Heaven that the Lord considers the Earth: to hear the groanings of the prisoners; to loose those that are appointed to death. Psalms 102:19-20, James 4:14, Ecclesiastes 3:1,2,4,6

B. Death is a Sweet Release - Death, then, becomes the release from these weak, frail, decaying bodies. We are humanly nothing more than perishables. With that in mind, life for all of us is really only a matter of time. But, from dust you are to dust you will return was not spoken of the soul. Psalm 103:14 

C. The Great Hope - The great hope is that those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ shall not perish, but shall have everlasting life. Because of this, we no longer faint. Even though our outward body is perishing, the inward person is renewed day by day. This results from our having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible. II Corinthians 4:16, I Peter 1:23

II. NEW LIFE!

A. The New Birth Changes Everything - Once we have been born again we can gratefully declare, “Oh death, where is your sting? Oh grave, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”  (I Corinthians 15:55-57). As a result, there should be no fear in death only the anticipation of eternal life in Christ! John 3:16

B. Death is the Entrance - So, death for us is but the entry way into our Heavenly home. This is the sweet release of death—liberating us from these weak, frail, and often pain-filled bodies, into God’s glorious presence. Therefore, we can boldly shout, “Even so, come Lord Jesus!” Revelation 22:20

C. Heaven’s Gain, Our Loss - Nevertheless, Heaven’s gain is still our loss. Thus the sadness and grief at the loss of a loved one is both right and reasonable. Yet by the grace of God, we can confidently say, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord!”  Job 1:21

III. OUR LIFELINE

Prayer: “Dear God, life is such a mystery and death is the great unknown. Thankfully Your Word gives us insight into both life and death. Your Word offers me much assurance. Upon receiving You as my Lord and Savior You granted me eternal life in Christ. Therefore, You have made provision for my living now, my death and my life with You in Heaven for all eternity. You have prepared a place for me and I am confident You will take care of me.”

Dr Lewis Gregory © 2014

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