And He Died…

He died…

“And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died” (Genesis 5:5).

Seven times in the fifth chapter of Genesis we read the words “and he died.” Someday the same will be said of each of us. Therefore, some observations are in order.

Death is certain.

“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away” (1 Peter 1:24). One man report­edly had these words inscribed on his tomb stone: “Remember this as you pass by, where you are now so once was I. Where I am now so soon you’ll be. Prepare for death and follow me!” The man was right. We will all die.

Death is uncertain.

As Isaac said to Esau, “I know not the day of my death” (Genesis 27:2). None of us know when we will die. Nothing in life is more certain than death, and nothing more uncertain than the time of dying. Life can end in an in­stant. Borrowing from the words of King David, “there is but a step between us and death” (1 Samuel 20:3). In that regard, I would remind you that it is not how long we live, but how we live that really matters. Are you prepared for death? If not, it’s time to get ready (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Death is no respecter of persons.

Of the grave Job said, “The small and the great are there” (Job 3:19). “One event happeneth to them all…one event to the righteous, and to the wicked…” (Ecclesiastes 2:14; 9:2). There is no escape. “It is appointed unto me once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Death is final.

Jesus said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4). This life offers the only opportunity we will have to prepare for death and judgment. We cannot afford to face death unprepared.

Someday it will be said of each of us “and he died!” Are you ready for that day?