There is one thing about which I am constantly being reminded of: death. The news we read in the papers and sometimes the things that happen to our neighbours, friends and relatives remind us that sickness or death can happen to anyone. Today you see me in good health, but you may not see me again next Sunday. It is important for you to understand the reality of this fact: You may die anytime. But you may say to me: “Can you not talk about such an unpleasant subject as death?” Why do I talk about death? The Bible tells us that “it is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart” (Eccl 7:2): It is only when you know you may die anytime that you will know what things are important and what are not. Thus, people who come out alive after being buried underground for days, people who had a brush with death, learn to treasure loved ones more and be less concerned with making more money. Therefore, understand this: you may die anytime.

How Should You Respond to Death?

If you do not know where you are going after you die, you must resolve this uncertainty. How can you be really happy in this life when you know you may die any time and yet do not know where you will be after death? No human being can answer this question because we cannot see beyond death. Only God’s answer is reliable. God’s Word, the Bible clearly says: “It is appointed to man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). You will be punished in hell for your sins because you have sinned against God in your thoughts, words and deeds. The Bible says: “All have sinned” (Romans 3:23). You will surely perish for eternity. But we thank and praise God. Yes, we will one day die. Indeed, there are many uncertainties and hard aches in this life. But when a person accepts Jesus as Saviour and Lord, God forgives all our sins and gives us eternal life. He also promises to give us mercy, grace and victory in this life. Thus, we Christians need not fear what happens in this life or death because we have an almighty Saviour who loves and will never leave us. If you have not believed in Jesus, do so today and you will experience God’s peace and abundant life. Why should you reject peace and eternal life?

How Should Christians Respond to Death?

We need not fear death because we have eternal life. Death opens the gates of heaven. We need not fear sickness because “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil” (Psalm 23:4) because “the Lord is our shepherd” (Psalms 23:1). He walks with us, strengthens and comforts us.

Would you prefer treasure that lasts only a hundred years or treasure that lasts forever? When you do what pleases God, you store up for yourself treasure in heaven that lasts for eternity. “There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents” and who believes in Jesus. Every Christian must be busy with bringing lost souls to the Lord Jesus that they may receive eternal life.

In about 2 months’ time, we will celebrate Christmas. We will be going to several houses to sing Christmas carols and preach the gospel on 24^th of December and perhaps also 25^th of December. My wish is that the whole church participates. Please do. We need all to sing. Some will also play musical instruments. Do pray about opening up your house and inviting friends. Let’s make this Christmas a meaningful one by telling others about Jesus Christ that they too may obtain and enjoy eternal life.