By Travis Lauterbach

Solomon says there’s “a time to be born, and a time to die” (Ecclesiastes 3:2).

What’s going to happen to you when you die?

That question doesn’t seem to get much attention these days. I encourage people to think about such things once again.

Focus gears many toward living a pleasure-filled life now. Zeal inspires some to leave a positive contribution in the world. Pride compels others to leave a legacy that’s forever written on the pages of history.

Many believe that the world accidentally exists, and the only future that there really can be is to make sure this accidental existence continues for as long as possible for individuals and this planet.

I often wonder what the ultimate point of any of that is? It’s the height of Solomon’s, “Meaningless, meaningless, everything is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 1:2).

In a few generations, maybe sooner, the overwhelming majority of people living today will be forgotten on earth.

It’s just too sad to see people live a life without hope, and then the tragedy of death strikes with nothing but hopelessness to offer comfort.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

There’s reason for this world. There’s a creator who loves His creation, and loves it to the point that He sent His Son to redeem it of everything in it that’s totally messed up.

The world is an ugly place. There’s much good, but there’s a lot of bad. Jesus sacrificed Himself for the world’s sin, for all the bad that is done, so that people have the hope of eternal life with Him.

God created humanity that we may have fellowship with Him. After the fall into sin, He sent Jesus to redeem humanity for the same.

People may love others as themselves, because that’s the kind of love God has given in Jesus.

Through Jesus, people may look forward to abundant life and fellowship in His kingdom. Jesus makes everything meaningful.

Travis Lauterbach is the pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church located in the Falcon Ridge Business Park in Mesquite, NV.

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