Christopher Bullock was one of the first Americans to coin the phrase, “there are 2 certainties in life: death and taxes.” In a letter written by Benjamin Franklin following the creation of the United States Constitution, Franklin relayed this painful reality in 1789. Thus, every April Americans scramble to collect paperwork to meet the filing deadline. Yes, taxes is just another part of life.
And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it, Ecclesiastes 12:7.
Modern quotes have added one more element: life, death and taxes. Unfortunately, death is one of those topics most people shy away from talking about. The idea of never being able to see or talk to someone for the rest of your life is scary. This fear places future conversations on hold until accidents, illness or old age arrives unexpectedly. Funerals force the issue as human beings return to the same dust from which God created Adam.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also, John 14:3.
The older you get, it seems like weddings are replaced by funerals, bringing the reality of death to the forefront. Yet, if you listen to the clergy who perform these ceremonies, there is an assumption that everyone goes to heaven. I guess celebrating eternal damnation doesn’t draw a large crowd so the other choice is a better option. While death is a certainty, heaven is not guaranteed. Therefore, before you leave this earth, make sure your reservation is secured, Romans 10:9-10.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 