My Mom died last May. My Dad died in 1984. My sister died in 1970. My Grandpa and Grandma, who were very dear to me and made such a huge difference in my childhood are dead. He died in 1987. She died in 1983. I have four uncles who are dead. Vickie’s Mom and Dad died within two weeks of each other in 1997.

The United States of America has had 44 presidents. All but 5 of them are dead.

The population of the United States of America in 1890 (the year my Grandpa was born) was around 63 million. That includes babies, children, and adults. All 63 million of them are dead.

Within a few years, I’ll be dead. And so will all my currently living friends and family members.

I could conclude, “How depressing! Death keeps winning! Everybody is dead or dying. I’ve only a short time left myself. I’d better have as much fun as I can before it’s all over.”

Except for one huge fact of history.

“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:17-20)

Jesus Christ died. But He didn’t stay dead. He has overwhelmed me with His life. And to quell any doubts I might have, He has also left overwhelming evidence that He really did come back from the dead.

And Jesus’ resurrection from the dead changes everything.

So now I conclude, “Yes, everybody is dead or dying. I’ve only a short time left myself. But there’s more to life than just living and dying. Jesus has undone death. He thoroughly, absolutely, and totally conquered it. And He’s promised me that I shall also be raised from the dead! So I choose to live in light of that day which is certain to arrive.

This life is just the prelude… the vestibule… the preface… the opening hymn. This is just the twilight that leads into night that turns into the glorious dawn of a new day. This is just the caterpillar stage before the cocoon is spun then broken so the butterfly can take flight. This is just the dwindling days of a dying winter yielding to an eternally fresh new spring and summer.

So, armed with that promise and hope… I live my life very differently. Not desperately as if gasping for a few final breaths of air before going under for the last time. But in preparation… Preparation for the main event.

How about you? Are you getting prepared for the main event?

Stay in the battle! It will be over before you know it!