Preparing for death is not something people spend time exploring

Published 8:31 am Friday, September 22, 2023

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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Dear Rev. Graham: People love grand dreams, mysteries, and impossible fantasies, yet are spooked by death, which perhaps is the greatest mystery of all. Why is this, and is it true that some will never die? – M.D.

Dear M.D.: When [NASA’s] Viking landed on Mars, the world exclaimed, “Unbelievable! Magnificent!” The mysterious Red Planet had been penetrated. An ingeniously designed robot, which was the result of $1 billion and the probing minds of hundreds of scientists, had accomplished a task that man had dreamed about for generations. Exploring the great mysteries of the universe, trying to predict the quirks of nature, attempting to predict a trend in society or politics, are popular talking points.
In the business world, for instance, people search for ways to improve their efficiency. Organizations post slogans like “Plan Ahead” or “Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan.” Corporations hire consulting firms to determine how to improve their planning. Business models, world politics, technology, and economics change so fast that in a matter of days, the direction of an entire country can change.
Preparing for death is not something people spend time exploring. Why is this? Mankind fears the unknown, but it is worth considering while we are still in the land of the living.
The Apostle Paul wrote about the mystery of death and some who will never see death. “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed – in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Corinthians 15:51–52). What a quick transformation that will be! Someone has said that death is not a period, but a comma in the story of life. Jesus urged people to prepare for His return.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

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