"O Lord, what is man that you regard him,
or the son of man that you think of him?
Man is like a breath;
his days are like a passing shadow."
Man, in his sinful state, is now worthy of the consideration of God. It is God's consideration, however, that gives him worth. For some reason God has loved His people, and that is not to be ignored. We were created in His image, but we fell. God has restored that image in all those for whom Christ died.
A recent tragedy has brought this passage to my mind. A 19 year old I knew was involved in a car wreck and was pronounced dead on the scene. No one saw it coming--no one but God. When a dead is preceded by months or even years of ill health, families tend to get some of the mourning out before the death has even occurred. The death of a young, healthy person takes us all off guard, however. It hits you like a brick. It doesn't even seem real yet, to be honest.
Sometimes death comes quickly, and so I give three pieces of advice tonight. Firstly, pray for families who have lost members unexpectedly. Don't just pray for the first couple of days or the first week though. Remember them for several months. Remember them occasionally for years to come, for it will become fresh with each birthday they don't celebrate with their loved one. The wound will re-open each anniversary of the tragedy. Pray for them continually because you just don't know when something will remind them of the time they can't spend with their son.
Secondly, consider your ways. Are you living a life of which your parents would be proud? Are you being faithful to the covenant in which you were raised? Would your Savior say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!" or would you most likely hear, "Get away from me you workers of iniquity!" Is your heart full of faith? Is your life full of evidence of that faith? Do not bank on time to reform in the future. You may not have it. Man is insignificant in the face of the grand universe, but God has given us the opportunity to live lives that have eternal significance. Embrace that opportunity. Live for God, and not for yourself.
Thirdly and finally, thank God--for the safety of those you love and for your own safety. How many times have you avoided a car accident by the skin of your teeth? How many times have you narrowly missed a wreck that could have proved vital? Don't take life for granted people! Man is like a breath. Thank God for every one.
Drive safely and tell people you love them. Leave the rest in God's hands.
or the son of man that you think of him?
Man is like a breath;
his days are like a passing shadow."
Man, in his sinful state, is now worthy of the consideration of God. It is God's consideration, however, that gives him worth. For some reason God has loved His people, and that is not to be ignored. We were created in His image, but we fell. God has restored that image in all those for whom Christ died.
A recent tragedy has brought this passage to my mind. A 19 year old I knew was involved in a car wreck and was pronounced dead on the scene. No one saw it coming--no one but God. When a dead is preceded by months or even years of ill health, families tend to get some of the mourning out before the death has even occurred. The death of a young, healthy person takes us all off guard, however. It hits you like a brick. It doesn't even seem real yet, to be honest.
Sometimes death comes quickly, and so I give three pieces of advice tonight. Firstly, pray for families who have lost members unexpectedly. Don't just pray for the first couple of days or the first week though. Remember them for several months. Remember them occasionally for years to come, for it will become fresh with each birthday they don't celebrate with their loved one. The wound will re-open each anniversary of the tragedy. Pray for them continually because you just don't know when something will remind them of the time they can't spend with their son.
Secondly, consider your ways. Are you living a life of which your parents would be proud? Are you being faithful to the covenant in which you were raised? Would your Savior say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!" or would you most likely hear, "Get away from me you workers of iniquity!" Is your heart full of faith? Is your life full of evidence of that faith? Do not bank on time to reform in the future. You may not have it. Man is insignificant in the face of the grand universe, but God has given us the opportunity to live lives that have eternal significance. Embrace that opportunity. Live for God, and not for yourself.
Thirdly and finally, thank God--for the safety of those you love and for your own safety. How many times have you avoided a car accident by the skin of your teeth? How many times have you narrowly missed a wreck that could have proved vital? Don't take life for granted people! Man is like a breath. Thank God for every one.
Drive safely and tell people you love them. Leave the rest in God's hands.
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