A Spooky Night

How long, O LORD? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your wrath burn like fire? Remember how short my time is! For what vanity you have created all the children of man! What man can live and never see death? Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? (Psalm 89:46-48 ESV).

We are almost to Halloween, 2016. It is a time of the year when it seems there are images of terror on every hand. According to USA Today reports of clowns haunting more than 20 states have people on edge. And, the reports keep coming. Recently, a Philadelphia school district reported that police were investigating threats made by creepy clowns on social media. Likewise, the Spring Independent School District in Texas issued a security statement due to new clown threat hoaxes made online. There are many people who are genuinely concerned for their safety. And, while that concern and wisdom for you safety is well placed, the truth is that none of us are going to get out of this life alive! I love the story that Peter Marshall used to tell of the legend of the merchant of Baghdad who sent his servant to the market in the ancient Middle Eastern city. The servant returned, pale and trembling, and the merchant asked him what was wrong. The servant told him he bumped into someone, looked up, and saw Death in a dark hooded robe pointing at him. He asked the merchant, “Please let me borrow your horse so I can flee to Samara where he can’t find me.” The merchant agreed. Later that day, the merchant went to the crowded market and saw Death standing to the side, and he asked, “Why did you frighten my servant?” Death responded, “I was only shocked to see him in Baghdad, for tonight I have an appointment with him in Samaria.” We all have a rendezvous with death. For every life, there is death. The statistics on death are 100%. There should be wisdom and caution in life; however, there is no need to fear death. The fear of death is removed by faith in Christ. With faith, we can concentrate on living this life to the fullest. I have developed a third personal proverb over the years: I will do all I can to live as long as I can live; however, I cannot wait to die. That may sound a bit morbid, or spooky to you at first read; however, it is the expression of the thought from the Apostle Paul as he reminded the Philippians: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. (Philippians 1:21-24 ESV). That belief takes the “spooky” out of life completely!