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“As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.” —Psalm 103:15,16 (NIV)

Every form of life on this planet has a beginning and an end. The end may come unexpectedly and prematurely, or it may come after many years of gradual decline. Whenever it comes, it is usually not welcomed!

Death is an enemy–an intruder who spoils life’s celebration! Where did it come from? Who placed death on the list of invited guests?

God never wanted anything (let alone any person) to die. Death came in the wake of sin. Paul says, “…each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” —James 1:14,15 (NIV)

“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes…she took the fruit and ate.” —Genesis 3:6 (RSV).

Because of Adam and Eve’s sin, your body is genetically predisposed to lose its life energy. The Palmist says, “The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.” —Psalm 90:10 (NIV)

If you are fortunate you may live a long, full life of (70+ years). The challenge is to live it so well that whenever the end comes you are at peace with what you’ve accomplished. 

Last Words Spoken – Here are some final words uttered by a handful of famous people as they were dying:

“I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have.” —Leonardo da Vinci, artist, died 1519

“Why do you weep. Did you think I was immortal? —Louis XIV, King of France, died 1715

“Here am I, dying of a hundred good symptoms.” —Alexander Pope, writer, died May 30, 1744

“I am ready.” —Woodrow Wilson, US President, died 1924

“Nothing matters. Nothing matters.” —Louis B. Mayer, film producer, died October 29, 1957

“My God. What’s happened?” —Diana (Spencer), Princess of Wales, died August 31, 1997

The Good News

The good news for those who accept Jesus is that death is only temporary. Read What Happens at Death?

The song, When all is Said and Done, by Geoff Moore, makes a powerful appeal.
Rich DuBose writes from Northern California.

Read more at the source: Ready to Finish

Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Spiritual applications.