An Encouraging Word

 
"A voice says, 'Cry out.'  And I said, 'What shall I cry?'  'All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.  The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them.  Surely the people are grass.'"
                                                                                     - Isaiah 40:6-7
 
Isn't that wonderful?!  You're nothing but grass!
 
Before you stop reading this seemingly discouraging word, consider this.  What if the opposite of God's observation were true?  What if we do last forever in the flesh and never fade?  I see two things:
 
First, you'd have to live with yourself forever.  Many people are afraid to die, but I'm not so sure that the alternative of living forever in our bodies is such a hot idea, either.  I can't imagine living in this sinful body with all of its frailties and leanings toward sin.  When my deadline arrives, I'm not filing for an extension.
 
Secondly, not only would you live forever, those who persecute you and who hate God would live forever.  Living forever would not help us escape their influence and actions.  Oh, what a disaster that would be.
 
Now do you feel a little more encouraged about you latest medical problem, your latest fight with the boss, your latest battle with sin?  Cheer up.  It won't last.  It's grass.
 
Lord, I praise You that You've allowed our sinful flesh to die.  I acknowledge that You are the only one in the universe worthy to live forever.  I'm just thankful that You've given me the privilege of living forever - after this body dies!