Kobe Bryant and 12 Facts About Death

On Sunday morning the basketball universe was shaken by the news that Lakers' star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, along with seven other souls, were killed in a helicopter crash in California.  As a serious NBA fan this one hit close to home.  I've been following Kobe's career since he was in high school -- over twenty years.

Tragedies like this are important because they turn our eyes to the reality of death.  The Bible teaches twelve facts about death:

One:  Death is certain.  Everyone dies.  There are only two certainties in life, death and taxes.  Every hero in the Bible had to die, other than Enoch and Elijah.  Unless Jesus comes back first, you will die.

Two:  Death is cruel.  Death often takes the young, the innocent, the virtuous, and the beloved.  Death visited King David's very best friend, and his newborn son.  Death is often painful, and it usually does not offer the chance to set your affairs in order or to say goodbye.

Three:  Death is confusing.  We don't know why people die the way they die.  Sometimes these answers are revealed to us, but most often they are not.

Four:  Death is a consequence.  Death was not part of God's original plan for creation.  God intended for Adam and Eve to live forever in the paradise of Eden.  But when sin came, death followed.  Death entered into the world as a consequence of sin (Rm 6:23).

Five:  Death is chartless. We do not know the time of our death.  It could be today, or sixty years down the road.  The time of our death is uncertain.  "Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes (James 4:14)."

Six:  Death is close.  Whether you die today, or ten years from now, your death-date is close.  In the span of eternity, life on earth is extremely brief.  Your death is near.  "Anyone born of woman is short of days and full of trouble.  He blossoms like a flower, then withers; he flees like a shadow and does not last (Job 14:1-2)."

Seven:  Death is controlled.  God knows and decides when you will die.  "Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began (Ps 139:14)."  God can cut your life short, like Herod Agrippa (Acts 12), or He can extend your life like Hezekiah (2 Kings 20).  "Since a person's days are determined and the number of his months depends on you, and since you have set limits he cannot pass (Job 14:5)."  You cannot die until God is ready.  You cannot live any longer than God wants.

Eight:  Death is conclusive.  When you die, you cannot come back.  There are no second chances.  "And just as it is appointed for people to die once -- and after this, judgment (Heb 9:27)."

Nine:  Death is a commencement.  Death is not the end, but the beginning.  It is the start of eternity.  Everyone will live forever somewhere -- either in heaven or in hell.  "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life (Mt 25:46)."

Ten:  Death is catastrophic.  For unbelievers, death is horrible.  It is the start of eternity in hell, the place of eternal torment.  "The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torment in Hades, he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off, with Lazarus at his side. ‘Father Abraham!’ he called out, ‘Have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this flame! (Lk 16:22-24).'"

Eleven:  Death is a celebration.  Death is sad for those left behind, but terrific for Christians who die in the Lord.  The moment we die, we wake up in heaven in the presence of Jesus.  "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Phil 1:21-24)."  No more sin, suffering, sadness, or separation.  Only bliss.

Twelve:  Death is constructive.  The subject of death should not be ignored.  When a loved one dies, it can remind us of the brevity of life, the certainty of death, and of the coming judgment.  This is a good thing.  Thoughts of death lead to a fuller life.  "Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts (Ps 90:12)." 

Do not fail to prepare for death.  It is a certainty.  And it comes unexpectedly.  Make sure your death is a celebration, not a catastrophe.  Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ, and you will inherit eternal life.

John 3:16 "For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."