It’s been a sobering week for all Australians. On Monday afternoon, we were greeted with the tragic news about Steve Irwin. Totally unexpected. Swift, and hard to cope with. And then on Friday afternoon, we heard about Peter Brock. Equally tragic and unexpected.

On top of all that, this week brings the fifth anniversary of September 11, 2001. In The Litany, the old Prayer Book contains a prayer asking that the Lord might deliver us “from dying unprepared”. Yet so many people give no thought at all to eternal issues. The events of this week ought to remind us of several things — 

  • Life is fragile. We cannot take it for granted. None of us is invincible.
  • There is an urgent need for men and women everywhere to hear the saving news about Jesus – for no-one can stand before the Judgment Throne of God on their own merits.
  • There is only one Saviour.
  • If we know Jesus, we have a wonderful privilege – and the corresponding responsibility – to share Christ with others.

It’s great to be encouraged about taking the gospel to the world. What an honour! Yet what about those closest to us? They need to know Christ too. What can we do? We can be sure of the truths of the gospel ourselves. (Christianity Explained is a great way to know.) We can pray. And we can speak as the opportunity comes. So many people have the idea that being prepared for death means having a funeral arranged, or their finances in order. Yet Christian people understand that the only way to be prepared for death is by relying on Jesus and having their sins forgiven. (Oh yes – are you prepared? If not – do it today! – we never know what tomorrow may bring.)