When Belshazzar hosted a drunken feast using the utensils that came from the Temple, the fingers of a man’s hand appeared and wrote “Mene Mene Tekel Upharsin” in the plaster of the wall. These words spelled death and destruction for Belshazzar and Babylon (Dan. 5). It is this event that has given rise to the statement we use today when we say someone has “seen the handwriting on the wall.”

Not too many years later, a man had an experience that mirrored those events in Daniel 5. After Ahasuerus told Haman to parade Mordecai before the people in the square or plaza around Shushan, he returned home humiliated. Upon telling his wife and friends what happened that day, they told Haman that since this is so, he will surely fall before Mordecai (Est. 6:13). The plans of Zeresh and the others (Est. 5:14) were dashed when they heard what had happened. Thus, they voiced their warning to Haman (Est. 6:14).

Would Haman listen? Would he heed the “handwriting on the wall”? Haman faced imminent danger as he went to the Queen’s second banquet (Est. 7), just as Belshazzar faced imminent danger on that dreadful night in Babylon (Dan. 5:30). What choice would he make? He still had a chance to change things at this time.

Will we read -- not the writing on the wall, but the writing in the Book (Eph. 3:4)? The Bible warns us about sin and its consequences (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:14-15; Rev. 21:8). When we read these words, we are made aware of the expectations God has for us (Jn. 14:15; Col. 3:17; Rev. 22:14). Will we pay attention to His writing and obey, realizing that our days on earth are numbered (Heb. 5:9; Ps. 90:12)? There is a Hell to avoid and a Heaven to accept, and our “second chance” to get it right is now (II Cor. 6:2)!

Don’t be like Haman, who, when warned, refused to listen. Heed the warnings from God and from others who love you and want you to be saved (Heb. 12:1-2; Mk. 16:16)! Tomorrow may be too late!

- Jarrod M. Jacobs

“What Will You Leave Behind At Death?”

Jarrod Jacobs

            Every day we learn of people who have died. Some die in their old age, some in their youth. Regardless of how long we live, or the reason for dying, our life is brief at its longest. Moses wrote that our life is “soon cut off” (Ps. 90:10). James says our life is, “even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (Jas. 4:14).

            With this in mind, have you considered what you will leave behind at your death? Some perhaps have taken out life insurance policies, and similar things to provide financial stability for their survivors. But, is this all that one will leave behind at death? By no means! What will a man leave behind at death?

            First, influence, good or bad, will be felt by our survivors. Concerning the death of the saints, Christ said, “their works do follow them” (Rev. 14:13; I Tim. 5:24). If we are unsure as to whether or not our influence is felt after death, tell me how many newborns are being named “Jezebel” or “Judas” these days? In contrast, many babies are named “Paul, “Hannah,” “James,” and “Sarah.” Why do people still cringe and shudder at such names as Adolph Hitler, or Mussolini if it is not for the influence those people left behind?

            Yes, our influence is felt even after death. Therefore, let us make sure our influence is godly (Matt. 5:16). Our children and grandchildren deserve no less than to observe a righteous influence in us!

            Secondly, all decisions we had to make are left behind. Once this earth-life is over, there is no coming back. Solomon said, “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (Ecc. 12:7). Therefore, let us get our priorities in order. If you die in your sins, you will have wasted your life. When you die, decisions left undone will remain undone! Seeing that this is the case, perhaps we can better appreciate the emphasis the Bible makes on folks doing things “now” and “today” while we still have the opportunity (ex: Acts 16:33). Make the right decision and remember “now is the accepted time ... now is the day of salvation” (II Cor. 6:2). If we don’t take advantage of this day, with its opportunities, we may not get another chance!

            When we die, will we enter into the bosom of Abraham, and to the safety of our Father? (Lk. 16:19-31) Will we be lost in our sins? If we love Christ, we will be busy doing His will right now (Jn. 14:15). Sadly, many are satisfied to do their “own thing”, living a life of carelessness and wickedness; (being friends of the world and enemies of God, Jas. 4:4) and are not ready at all to enter into eternity.

            Are you a friend of God, or Satan? You must be one or the other (Matt. 6:24, 12:30)! There is no “middle ground” with God. You’ll either be for Him or against Him; His friend, or His enemy. Remember, friendship with God depends upon whether or not you are a Christian (Acts 22:16), a joint-heir with Christ (Rom. 8:17). Are you a Christian? If not, please obey the gospel message today (Mk. 16:16).

Some Things Man Cannot Escape

Jarrod Jacobs

            In our society, we are used to people “getting away” with certain things, aren’t we? It has become almost commonplace to hear about a person hiring a “dream team” of lawyers so as to avoid criminal charges and prosecution. Closer to home, we may notice people “getting away” with theft by eating displayed food at the grocery store without buying it; or taking extra time on their breaks at work and getting paid for it. Perhaps someone we know has been dishonest (lying). Don’t men tend to ignore this sin? It seems that we have reared a society which thinks that we can escape certain sins by ignoring them and no one is the wiser. Is this really the case?

            God says there are things we cannot escape in this life no matter how hard we try! Just like Adam and Eve could not escape God (Gen. 3:7-10); just like Jonah could not escape God (Jonah 1:3-17, ch. 2); neither can we escape God (Prov. 15:3; Heb. 4:13; Ecc. 12:14; Rom. 2:16)! Nor can we escape the truth He has revealed.

            We have reared a society of people who are under the impression that they can “bury” their sins deep enough that no one will find out about them. Sometimes, folks have the idea that they can somehow escape the consequences of sin if they pay enough money, run far enough away, deny it, etc. In truth, this is not possible! “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23)! We need to understand that we cannot escape sin independently of Christ and His shed blood (Rom. 6:3-6; Acts 2:38, 22:16)! Whether we are discussing the physical or the spiritual consequences of sin, we cannot escape without Christ! Lest we forget, go back and read Romans 6:23, which tells us, “the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” In addition to this, God compares physical sowing and reaping with spiritual sowing and reaping in Galatians 6:7-8. Be sure, there will be a “bitter harvest” awaiting us if we have sown a life of sin and have not repented nor have been forgiven!

            As hard as men try to avoid it via medicines, vitamins, exercise, food choices, etc., we also know that we cannot escape death! (Heb. 9:27). Death was something God promised as a physical consequence of Adam and Eve’s sin (Gen. 3:19) and it continues to this day. Solomon put it this way: “The living know that they shall die” (Ecc. 9:5a)! How true this is! In fact, “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death” (I Cor. 15:26). Therefore, be assured we will not escape death because it will be with us until the Lord returns!

            Further, let us remember that there is a Judgment Day coming in which all mankind will be judged by Christ (Acts 17:30-31; Jn. 5:22). Just like death, no one will escape this event! How do I know this? I know this because the Bible reveals this truth to us (Ecc. 12:13-14; Matt. 25:31-33, 46; II Cor. 5:10).

            Can there be any question as to the coming Judgment? Can there be any question as to who is going to be there? We will all be present before Christ in Judgment (II Cor. 5:10). The question is: “Are you ready?” If not, why not?

            Yes, some things we cannot escape! Yet, we can come through anything successfully when we are in Christ. Are you in Him? (Eph. 1:7-13; Gal. 3:26-27)

What The Bible Says About Death

Jarrod Jacobs

                   It is a fact that death will come to everyone. “The living know that they will die” (Ecc. 9:5). Yet, what does the Bible say about death? What can we learn from God that provides insight into this part of our life?

                   First, let us understand that we have no promise of tomorrow. The book of James records the well-known words, “You do not know what tomorrow will bring, What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time, and then vanishes” (Jas. 4:14). Job also comments about the brevity of life, saying, “My life is a breath” and, “Man who is born of a woman is few of days, and full of trouble” (Job 7:7, 14:1). We have no promise of seeing another day (Prov. 27:1)!

                   Another fact about death is that it is a great equalizer. Since Genesis 3, death has been with men and it will be this way until the end of time (I Cor. 15:26).  Death is not just something experienced by the “poor” and “unknowns” of this world. Death will come to all. Job stated this great truth when he wrote of the “kings and counselors of the earth … princes … the wicked … the weary … the prisoners … the small and great …  and the servant” who have died (Job 3:14-19). Death will come to us regardless of our age, gender, race, or anything else. It is a great equalizer.

                   Death ends all earthly plans and intentions. The obituary page is full of those who had intentions and plans for the upcoming week, month, and year. Those things will not be accomplished by them. Once the spirit separates from the body and produces physical death (Jas. 2:26), whatever plans or intentions a person has for the future, he will never do. Since this is the case, it places great emphasis upon each one of us to make sure we are right with God and ready for death. God places emphasis upon preparing “now” for eternity. The apostle Paul told the Corinthians, “Behold now is the day of salvation” (II Cor. 6:2).  Again, the words of the Holy Spirit ring true when we read, “Today if you will hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Heb. 3:7-8, 15). We see emphasis placed upon the “now” and “today” because death will bring an end to our work. This is why Jesus said, “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no man can work” (Jn. 9:4). Let us learn the lesson!

                   Death shows us that our life is fragile. People today act as if they are going to live forever. Yet, we know this is not the case. Solomon said, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring” (Prov. 27:1). Truer words were never said! Our lives can change in drastic ways over the course of just one day (Jas. 4:13-15)! When we appreciate the truth revealed by God, we must ask, not how much money is in our bank account, or how big our house is, or how many people like us. Rather, we need to ask two questions: in what condition are our souls, and are we on the Lord’s side?

                   This life is fragile and things are constantly changing. Since this is the case, we need to trust in the One who is unchanging (Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8). The wise man wrote, “It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart” (Ecc. 7:2). Therefore, let us lay these truths to heart and prepare for eternity. Do you need to have your sins forgiven and become a Christian (Mk. 16:16)? Do it before it is too late. Don’t wait for another day. You may not get one!

Some Things You Cannot Escape

Jarrod Jacobs 

                   In our society, we are used to people “getting away” with certain things. It seems that we have reared a society which thinks that we can escape certain sins by ignoring them and no one is the wiser. God says there are things we cannot escape in this life no matter how hard we try!

                   For example, we cannot escape the consequences of sin (Num. 32:23)! We cannot escape sin independently of Christ and His shed blood (Rom. 6:3-6; Acts 2:38, 22:16)! In addition to this, God compares physical sowing and reaping with spiritual sowing and reaping in Galatians 6:7-8. Be sure, there will be a “bitter harvest” awaiting us if we have sown a life of sin and have not been forgiven!

                   Neither can we escape death! As hard as men try, we cannot escape death (Heb. 9:27)! Death was something God promised as a physical consequence of Adam and Eve’s sin (Gen. 3:19) and it continues to this day. We will not escape death because it will be with us until the Lord returns (I Cor. 15:26)!

                   Finally, we cannot escape the Judgment. There is a Judgment Day coming in which all mankind will be judged by Christ (Acts 17:30-31; Jn. 5:22). Just like death, no one will escape this event (Ecc. 12:13-14; Matt. 25:31-46; II Cor. 5:10)!

                   Yes, some things we cannot escape! Yet, we can come through anything successfully when we are in Christ. Are you in Him? (Eph. 1:7-13; Gal. 3:26-27)