For all can see that the wise die,
that the foolish and the senseless also perish,
leaving their wealth to others.
11 Their tombs will remain their houses[b] forever,
their dwellings for endless generations,
though they had[c] named lands after themselves. Psalms 49:10-11
that the foolish and the senseless also perish,
leaving their wealth to others.
11 Their tombs will remain their houses[b] forever,
their dwellings for endless generations,
though they had[c] named lands after themselves. Psalms 49:10-11
I
like sequels. Particularly those that involve a hero saving some girl he loves.
Tragedy and love form an explosive mix!
So
today we briefly consider ‘Why Die II’. And I do hope that I don’t come across
as a little morbid.
Before
we consider the scripture above allow me to share a story. Some time ago one of
our lecturers (Dr. Iraki) asked us an interesting question in the form of a
class assignment. He asked whether we would prefer fame or wealth. The answer
had to come in the form of an essay and the best would be read out in class. It
was an interesting debate we had that day. One clever chap even argued that for
him fame would follow wealth. He would use his wealth and power to have roads and
buildings named after him.
The
scripture above is not far off the mark when it describes men who named lands
after themselves not only for fame but also as a way of keeping their names
alive long after they are gone. In a sense such men and women are on a quest
for immortality. The scripture describes how all men, regardless of their
status, are equalised by death. The rich, the poor, the wise and the foolish
all have an irrevocable appointment with the grim reaper at some point.
"Aeroplanes will be too afraid to crash, yoghurts will wish you good morning before being eaten and human consciousness will be stored on supercomputers, promising immortality for all - though it will help to be rich." Ian Pearson, head of the futurology unit at BT. 
Throughout
man’s history, he has searched diligently for ways to cheat death. Of course
many have preferred doing it away from God’s prescribed way (John 11:25). Many
have wished that they could stare death in the face and thumb their noses at
Christ and yet sing with Paul;
“Where, O death is your victory?
Where, O death is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15.55
Where, O death is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15.55
There
is simply no immortality apart from God. Wealth and fame and naming lands after
oneself are simply vain glorious ways to achieve eternal recognition. The
creator calls you back to Him. His promise is that those who come to Him in
child-like faith will be granted eternal life.
40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and
believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last
day.” John 6.40
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