Many things happen in a few seconds. Certain calamities could happen in minutes that spell doom and death. On June 12, 2025, a Boeing Dreamliner crashed into a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad. The pilot called within 36 seconds that the engine had lost power and crashed. 241 people died in a few seconds, and a few were on the ground. Life is like grass, a bubble, or a vapor, fleeting or short-lived when compared with eternity. (Psalm 103:15; James 4:14) The Psalmist writes that three things happen when a person dies: Breath departs, returns to the earth, and plans perish. (Psalm 146:4) It is wise to understand that those who are prepared to live are those prepared for death
Breathe departs: When a person stops breathing, the end comes. God has created humans so that their life is dependent on the little air that makes the body alive and functional. Without that oxygen, they fall to the ground, unable to rise. The body begins to decompose and perish.
Returns to earth: The words for man and earth are similar in the Hebrew language. The Psalmist writes that the one who was taken from earth or created from it will return to it. Yes, for believers also the physical death is the last enemy to be defeated. (I Corinthians 15:26) They will rise to eternal life to be with the Lord forever in Heaven. In contrast, the unbelievers will live eternally in Hell, described as the Lake of Fire, and there will be no more physical death, but spiritual death of eternal separation from God. (Mark 9:48; Revelation 21:8)
Plans perish: His thoughts, ideas, opinions, plans, and desires perish. In other words, dreams are shattered. Most who perished in the air crash had their families in their minds, like celebrating birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and saving for the future. Some had personal dreams of completing studies, landing a new job, and leaving poverty behind. It is foolish to be confident of tomorrow, as the future belongs to God.
Am I always prepared for both to live and die?