WATCHING MEN DIE

We have all been saddened by the death of the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. Our hearts and prayers certainly go out to his family. For some of us who would watch him from time to time, we always figured the day would come when he would lose an arm, be seriously poisoned by the venom of some snake, or otherwise laid up for a time. This because of his willingness to live on the edge with animals that were capable of doing him great harm. What surprised us was his untimely death.

Steve Irwin was being filmed for yet another documentary with Discovery Communications when this tragic event took place. John Stainton, his manager and close friend, was one of few who viewed the video. It is his opinion that the film should be destroyed as he said, "It's a very hard thing to watch, because you are actually witnessing somebody die, and it's terrible."

There is a sense in which you and I are watching the same thing every day. In every case man's death sentence started the day he was born. As the Scriptures says, "man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." Hebrews 9:27. Apart from the rapture, not one of us will escape our date with death. We just don't know when that visit from the death angel will come. James asks the question, "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." 4:14.

In light of this, we need to be ready for what's next. Remember, the last part of Hebrews 9:27 says, "after that to face judgment." The only way to be ready for that day is to know the One who is the way (the only way). Jesus Christ said of Himself, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6. If you ask Christ into your heart as Lord and Savior you can be ready for that unknown hour. "To all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12. Do that, and you'll be following the Psalmist advice, "[Lord] Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12.

For those of us who have trusted Christ as Savior, knowing that we're watching those around us die should put an added burden upon our hearts. Are we really doing all we can to let others know that Christ loves them and wants to save them? If we keep in mind that we dwell among dying people we might better understand Christ's command to, "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19,20.