Into the Fire

You live. You die. Usually there’s a lot in between but not always. Infants die before and at birth. Children die before their childhood is finished. Teens, 20, 30, 40, and 50-somethings die before, during, and seemingly when their lives seem most important. People die.

Not only do we physically die once we gain entrance to life on planet earth, we tend to accuse all sorts of people, places, and circumstances for the deaths. And who can argue with the injustices of drunk drivers ending someone’s life, or a murderer inflicting death on someone, or a disease which is mis-diagnosed and leads to someone’s death? If that someone is a loved one, we want to blame somebody. Lots of people wind up blaming God. I wonder if “blame” is the correct response.

The Word of God tells us our days are numbered. This isn’t a colloquialism. It’s truth. Job 14:5 tells us “Man’s days are determined; you [God] have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.” This can further incite “blame” on God, but in reality if an individual has his spiritual life in order, passing from physical death to eternal life is reward, not punishment. However, if not, just the opposite is true.

Yes, we cling to this life, to our loved ones. We want them to remain with us in the here and now for as long as we experience life. Every parent agrees the lives of their children should exceed theirs. No one can stand to see their loved ones suffer.

But we must face facts. This world is fallen, sin-filled. It is not utopia. It is not going to be perfect under man’s direction. We cannot save the planet nor can we destroy it. Nor can we save the eternal lives of any human being, but we can share the opportunity for attaining eternal life. We cannot escape the perils, suffering, pain, and consequences of sin. The world is cursed as a result of man’s yielding to an enticing façade. That will remain unchanged until biblical prophecy brings the destruction of this earth and the re-creation of a new unstained earth.

The blame game remains in question, but somehow there is a certain man-made logic to applying blame to God. After all, if He numbers our days, then why doesn’t He make them wonderful and long-lasting? That was His intention. He created two people in His image and gave them basically one choice to make: obedience to Him or to their own inclinations. They chose the latter ushering in the sinful nature of humanity. And with it death. And more disobedience. And blame on God. And all that goes with all of that.

Many of us refuse to look at reality. We insist we’re entitled to this man-made and man-orchestrated utopian existence. Contrary to this notion, Jesus said “You will always have the poor among you.” In other words this is a given in a fallen world. There will be people who are lazy, who are sick, who are afflicted in every possible way. But what is “pure religion”? “Religion that God accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27) In other words God makes provision for certain people groups and warns us to keep ourselves “from being polluted by the world” in assuming that we depend upon other people groups (i.e. the government) to satisfy our needs and requirements. He expects us to depend on Him for those things we cannot provide but to work to provide those other things which are a part of our everyday lives and contribute to His kingdom.

Christians who think they’re entitled to certain earthly benefits forget where our responsibilities and dependencies reside. We most definitely are a needy people, but those needs are not to be sated by extracting satisfaction from programs which rob one person to pay another. Christians who envy and loathe those who have more than they do should re-examine where their hearts reside. Is it in the peace extended by Jesus to all who accept and believe in His sacrifice for them? Or is it in the current ruler of the government where they live? Or are they bound to coveting the pleasures and worldly goods and privileges they don’t possess?

Certain people need more help than others, some legitimate, some not. This earth is not the place where all needs will be met. This earthly habitat is temporary, not only because it’s slated to be destroyed by God—not by man—but because each of us must die. Eternity awaits either way.

People don’t realize it’s the motive of greed which keeps them clamoring for health coverage at the expense of others who they accuse of being greedy.

And many people are greedy in this sinful realm and have always been. What is that to you? Who appointed you judge and jury? “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10) What others have, own, or possess is not your concern. There will always be those who have more than you and those who have less. Live with a generous heart and give wisely. You are not entitled to everything you want. 

How many times have we heard that this or that person wouldn’t have died with the proper health care? The truth is our days are numbered. And, although it’s a shame when someone is unable to receive the care they need, no one can say for a fact it was because of this reason that the person passed on. Christians, wake up. Death is imminent. You don’t get to determine the number of your days. You are not the Author of Life.

But you do have the opportunity to make your life eternal by choosing Jesus Christ to save your soul. At least then heaven becomes a reality. Or call it utopia. It’s a perfect place where no poverty, addictions, sickness, or sadness dwell thanks to a loving heavenly Father and the only Savior of mankind Jesus Christ. Meanwhile . . . “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:16-18)

Keep in mind “I have told you all these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John16:33)

We are not entitled to anything but our Savior’s hand as we are sometimes forced to walk through the valley of the shadow of death. He’ll be there for us if we want Him. His grace will be sufficient.

Life is certainly not easy. Not “free” as in if others pay our way. Not always just or fair or even logical. Difficult, heartbreaking . . . fallen. Sinful. But Jesus has overcome the world. Given us rescue in eternity. Heaven waits. The ultimate reward for those in Christ.

The reward is not here. Not now. Insisting it should be doesn’t ring true or make it possible.

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)

Maranatha.