How to Elude Death

“Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”- John 8:51 

          In a world where people do everything in their power to put off death all the while enhancing their physical appearance, we read these words to the Jews from Jesus. There is one way and one way only to cheat death and that is to obey the word of God. I know people who work out to tone their bodies. Some hone their bodies into sculpted masterpieces. Others want to look like they are in their 20’s when they are in their 50’s. For what purpose do they do these things? I can only imagine why. The reality that they are either ignorant of or refuse to believe is that we live in temporal shells; tents made of flesh. 

Our bodies house our soul and spirit. It is a good thing to remain fit, but to take it to the extreme is a waste of time. Even if you were to prolong your life by a few years, all shall die at one point or another. Prolonging your life without God is just more time spent in futility. Solomon spoke of a “chasing after the wind” in Ecclesiastes. He was referring to all the things that he pursued in his life aside from God. Everything outside the realm of God is fruitless and elusive; always out of one’s reach. It is only when a man dedicates his life to the pursuit of righteousness that they find true satisfaction this side of heaven. There is nothing in this world that could ever compare to the glory that awaits those whose lives are sold out for the Lord. What could possibly be the benefit of any other pursuit in this life? Apart from serving God life is as Solomon’s puts it in Ecclesiastes 1:2 - “Meaningless! Meaningless!” … “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” With God things are very meaningful. Obeying the word of God is what is expected of one who is following Christ. Never seeing death means that eternal life with God is your reward. A Christian is born twice and dies only one time, that being death to their old nature. The non-believer is born once and dies twice. ^{(Revelation 20:11-15)} 

          After all the many dalliances experienced by Solomon throughout his life, he was still able to come full circle and proclaim the following at the conclusion of Ecclesiastes – “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of every human being. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” ^{(Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)} Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries