Life Is A Vapor

Ken

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14 KJV). Here today, gone tomorrow. Our existence is fleeting. Look at so many who have died at relatively young ages throughout history. Jesus of Nazareth died on a Cross at the age of 33. Alexander the Great died at age 32. Robert Murray M’Cheyne (age 29): “It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likenesses to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God.” Jim Elliot (age 29): “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Imminence is the likelihood of occurring at any time. Though death may not come so early without accident, war, or plagues, would we be considered wise to consider death or departure from this life as imminent and long life as more of a bonus? If we would live our life as fleeting, would we better serve Christ? “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8). Though we could depart this life at any moment, we would certainly return with Christ. “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him” (1Thessalonians 4:14). As far as our fleeting life is concerned, could we say we believed in a Doctrine of Imminence? “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1Peter 4:7-8 NIV).