Arrangement of our Departure

Oh, that they were wise, . . . that they would consider their latter end. --Deuteronomy 32:29

In the spring of 1981, a young man was flown into a rather desolate part of northern Alaska to photograph the natural beauty and mysteries of the tundra. He took along 500 rolls of film, several firearms, and 1,400 pounds of provisions.

In the weeks and months that followed, the words in his diary gradually changed from wonder and fascination into dismay and fear. In one of his last entries in August he wrote, "I think I should have used more foresight about arranging my departure. I'll soon find out."

In November he died in a nameless valley, by a nameless lake, 225 miles northeast of Fairbanks. In the investigation that followed some amazing facts were brought to light … although he had carefully planned for his trip, he had made no provision to be flown out. What a tragic ending to a story that didn’t have to end that way.

Although we may not be planning a trip to Alaska any time soon; let’s be careful that we do not make the same kind of mistake that this young man did. When planning for the future it is wise to iron out the immediate details, to concentrate on the fine points of our journey. But by far the most important item to consider is the end of our destination. It is one thing to start on a journey and quite another thing to finish it.

In the book of Deuteronomy we read that the Israelites made a similar mistake. For a while they had all they needed, but they forgot that it was God who provided for them (Deut. 32:15-18). It didn’t take too long for it to become obvious that they were giving no thought to the consequences of worshiping false gods and living for their own enjoyment. The result of their choices brought God's judgment (vs.19-25). They had made a great many wonderful plans but they had failed to "consider their latter end" (vs. 29).

Many people have spent the last few months, if not years, preparing for the year 2000. They have spent hours pouring over all of the details of entering into a new millennium. But, I wonder how many have considered the end of their journey through life?

As we enter into another New Year, there will be many plans for us to make. Many choices will confront us. But, perhaps the greatest plan we will ever have to make will be the "arrangement of our departure" from this life. Have you thought about your latter end? It's wise to prepare for it now. Trusting Jesus as your Savior and living for Him is the only way to plan for the future. It's never too soon to plan for eternity.

Because He lives, we can face tomorrow!