This week Hollywood was all a “buzz” with another “passing.” No – it wasn’t a drug overdose, or, a suicide of another nature. It was a freak accident of a wife and mother of two young children. The news media were busy reporting about the unexpected (“untimely”) death of Natasha Richardson, a gifted and attractive 45 year old woman. The wife of actor Liam Neeson experienced what was first thought to be a minor skiing accident. Little did the actress know that her refusal to seek immediate medical attention would result in an “epidural hematoma, which causes bleeding between the skull and the brain's covering.”
On Monday this well liked, young, vibrant, physically active, well known Hollywood actress was alive and well, skiing on a beginner’s slope. On Wednesday, the plug was pulled as she had become brain dead.
Baring suicide, and acute terminal illness, death comes, suddenly and unexpectedly:
I never was one, much for poetry. But in high school I did memorize a few notable lyrics. The one that was an easy one, because it was so short, was: “The fog comes on little cat feet." [Robert Frost] I thought about that short poem this past week as I heard the news of the Hollywood actress’ untimely sudden life departure. I thought of my father’s letter to me while in college. He related his busy week as pastor and the one funeral with which he officiated. His aside comment was: “We never know when we will die; it is so important to be prepared.”
Here today; gone tomorrow [Psalm 103:15-16 ; 1 Peter 1:24] That is the description which the Divine Revelation of the Scriptures give to us. We share the same fate as the animals. [Psalm 49]
Most people will be careless with their most important appointment:
We cannot forecast our own death – but we can prepare for it:
Our Creator God does not leave us without a clue. He has given us the Written Revelation of the Scriptures. He instructs us what to do. [Proverbs 1:20-33 ; Psalm 9:12] As the Scripture teaches, those who die expecting heaven above, must be clothed in the Righteousness of Christ, -- [Philippians 3:7-12] whose birth, life, suffering, death, and resurrection from the dead was [and is] for our present and priceless eternal benefit. [Mark 16:14-20]
It is estimated by Biblical scholars that Christ’s physical life on earth was short by modern standards. He was only 33 years old when he met the torturous fate of Roman spikes upon a cross. Old Testament Hebrew Scripture prophesied hundreds of years before His birth that Christ would be “cut off out of the land of the living.” [Isaiah 53:8] Yet it was [and is,] God’s perfect plan to offer by Christ’s blood bought sacrifice, the forgiveness of personal sin, sparing us from the just wrath and punishment of Holy Creator God, who cannot allow unredeemed souls into His holy heaven. He must punish sin and the sinner to the fullest extent, unless, of course, there is acceptance of His Christ packaged gift of forgiveness and life. [John 1:1-18 ; John 3:14-21]
May all who have ears to hear – actually listen and "number our days" in keeping with the Divine perspective. [Psalm 90:12] Amen.
Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"
Old Testament:
Psalm 49 -- The vanity of trusting wealth. No one can take it with him. Death is the common experience of all
Psalm 90 -- Our lives in light of the Triune God's governance
New Testament:
1 Corinthians 15:50-55 -- The Second Coming of Christ will exempt the disciples of Christ from death
The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]? __________________________________________________
"Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak" by By Victor Buksbazen -- an in-depth view of Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.
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Complete Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
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Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel -- Bay City, Michigan
