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Death and afterlife, is a topic that scares many and intrigues others. Because of its unknown nature, we all can only deduce what happens after that. But one thing for sure, is that we all will live once, and die once (Hebrews 9:27). King Solomon, the Preacher, describes in Ecclesiastes death as the common destiny for all mankind. It sobers some and frustrates others that death takes all of us regardless of how we lived our lives (Ecclesiastes 9:2). Should not the wicked die young and the righteous live long? Alas, here we are awaken to the fact that “no one knows whether love or hate awaits them” (Ecclesiastes 9:1)

Thankfully, from the Bible’s perspective there still lies a distinction. A common destiny on earth we share but for those who believe in Jesus our Deliver and Conqueror of death we have a different destiny in eternity. We have a living hope of eternity with Jesus because He has conquered death. “The saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

Nevertheless, with death an unknown full stop of our lives and the capital B for the Beginning of our lives when we were born, we have a choice how to live the life in between. We can choose to seize the day and live well, for “anyone who is among the living has hope”. In death, we are powerless with no reward, memory or even emotions – it’s a dead end. (Ecclesiastes 9:4-6)

King Solomon tells us to be joyful always, celebrate everything and enjoy our  family relationships. Enjoy and be thankful for the big and small things that God has given us (Ecclesiastes 9:7-9). Also as work takes up such a big portion of our lives, we are to work with all our might (Ecclesiastes 9:10). We can take heart that though life is unpredictable, we can trust God that our supposed “time and chance” are all in His caring hand. No one will know when death will bring us into eternity but one thing we, children of God, know is that we can look forward to this day, this glorious day – to be with God forever!