The news of the death of Marlin’s pitcher Jose Fernandez shocked the sports world Sunday morning.  Fernandez, only 24 years old, was an incredibly talented pitcher with a larger than life personality.  His exuberance inspired his teammates and often infuriated his opponents.  His shocking death in the prime of his life gives reason for us all to reflect on our lives.  What are your thoughts on life and death?

Life is fragile, and one inescapable statistic is that 1 out of every 1 people die.  For some, like Fernandez, that death seems to come much to early. For others, death comes as a welcomed release from a long struggle for survival.  Regardless of it’s timing, however, death eventually visits everyone, and we must prepare while we can.

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Solomon’s wisdom about life and death

The book of Ecclesiastes provides us a look inside the journal of King Solomon, one of  the wisest men ever.  In the third chapter, Solomon records four observations about life and death for our consideration.  You can read this great chapter at this link.

1.  Everyone has an appointed time to die.  (verse 2)

Solomon begins the chapter by observing “to everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”  The first in a series of fourteen pairs of examples is “a time to be born and a time to die.”

None of us escape death, and prayerfully none of us will experience death at such a young age as Fernandez.  However, we will all face death one day.   What would you do differently today if you knew for certain you would die tonight?  Why wait?

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2.  There is eternity waiting on the other side of death. (verse 11)

Solomon observed that God has placed “eternity” in the heart of man.  Most people at some time in their lives consider what lies beyond the grave.  The Bible teaches that all human life is “eternal” – it lasts forever either in heaven or hell.

Earthly bodies decay and wear down, eventually releasing the spirit person residing in them.  Those who have turned to Jesus for forgiveness and redemption live forever in heaven in God’s presence.  Those who chose their own way and ignore God’s gift of grace live an eternity of punishment in hell.  The choice really is that simple: believe and surrender to the One who died for you or choose eternal torment.

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3.  Our lives are God’s gift to us to live fully. (verses 12-13)

Solomon observed that man can do good and enjoy the fruit of his work in this life.  Live today to its fullest, and take every opportunity to love those closest to you.  Never squander an opportunity to do good or to tell a loved one how much you love them. 

I have a framed poster in my office that reads: today is God’s gift to you; what you do with it is your gift to God.  Instead of stressing over less important things today, why not invest in truly important people and opportunities in your life.

4.  In this life, God gives us the opportunity to come to know Him.  (verse 14)

Solomon observes that God plans, directs, and blesses our lives in ways that should cause us to “fear before Him.”  This is not a fear of terror, but rather a covenant term.  In this sense, “fearing God” means to enjoy a personal relationship with Him.  God knows you and wants you to know Him.

Our sin separates us from God, but in His great love, He provided a way to deal with our sin.  God sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for the sins of all when He died on the cross.  Now, any one can come to God on the basis of Jesus’ sacrifice and receive complete forgiveness for their sin.  Once forgiven, God adopts me as His own child.

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If you would like to know more about forgiveness for your sins and a relationship with God, click this link.  The link will take you to a graphical explanation of God’s redemptive plan and how you can experience His forgiveness.

I am sad for the family, friends, and teammates of Jose Fernandez.  His death can accomplish something positive if we use it as an opportunity to reflect on our life and death.  What about you?  Are you living a life of God’s greatest blessing?  Should your appointed time come tonight, are you ready?

Click links below for further reading:

Getting My Life In Order

An Alternate View of Death