Death is Not the End

“‘You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 NLT

In a tragic story published yesterday, it was reported that a runner in the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series in Nashville on Saturday has died after receiving emergency treatment at the race, organizers said Sunday.The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series said the runner received urgent medical attention by an on-site team before being transported to a hospital, where the participant died. Organizers did not immediately release the identity of the runner. We appreciate the medical personnel who worked quickly to support the participant,” the statement from organizers said. “We share our greatest sympathies with the family and friends of the race participant, and we will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time.”

And you know, while we don’t know the identity of the person who died, we do know that it wasn’t the end of his or her story. Death is not the end of anyone’s story, contrary to popular belief. By the choice they made while alive, whether they took the “narrow gate” or the wide one, their eternal destination will have been determined. Those who chose to faithfully follow Jesus will be allowed to “enter God’s Kingdom” and inherit eternal life but those who chose the to follow the world will find that the “highway to hell” led them to a place of eternal damnation. 

So don’t be misled by the world my friend that insists there is more than one way to heaven and that hell is a fun place where you can party with your friends. The “gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” But those that do will reap the rewards, and those that don’t will forever regret their decision. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for making it clear that there is life beyond the one we will experience in this world. By the decision to either follow you or not to follow you, a person decides where they will spend eternity after their physical death, whether in heaven or hell. Help us to be bold in sharing the message that there is only one way to You so that none would enter hell on account of us Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!