Longevity does not only have to do with diet, and exercise, and following the laws of health, it also has very much to do with applying good common sense in our everyday lives, and understanding the parameters God has set for His dealing with earth’s inhabitants. There are reasonable expectations that we can look to God for, and then there are several unwarranted expectations which are based merely on man’s opinions about what God should or should not do. One thing is certain however, and that is the fact that God has given to each of us the freedom to choose, either good or evil, with stipulated results for each course of action pursued.
For instance, it is a good healthful decision to eat vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains, for tremendous benefit will attend our way if we do, since they represent the original diet given to man in Eden. But vegetarians must also act intelligently, adopting scriptural principles in every experience of life, for there is a syndrome known as a foolish vegetarian, where a person may be extremely particular about what is being eaten, but who takes unnecessary risks in other areas of life which could significantly shorten his or her life-span.
(CNN) Danger has long been part of the allure of climbing the world's highest peak. Avalanches killed 35 climbers on Mount Everest the past two years -- including 16 in one devastating day in 2014. And now the 2016 climbing season has claimed its first victims. "Everest is a mountain of extremes," said Jon Kedrowski, a geographer and climber who summited Mount Everest in 2012, when 10 climbers died. "At high altitude, the body deteriorates on a certain level. The climate on the mountain is brutal. Temperatures range from -31 to -4 Fahrenheit.
Over the last weekend three people died attempting to summit Mount Everest. Eric Ary Arnold, Subash Paul and Maria Strydom all lost their lives tackling the world’s tallest mountain – but many headlines have focused on Maria. Why? Because she was vegan. Maria Strydom set out to climb seven summits in seven countries with her husband Robert Gropel, in an attempt to “prove that vegans can do anything and more”. Let’s read:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.
Now, it’s obvious that Mrs. Strydom might have been alive today, if she had decided not to take an unnecessary risk, thus dying prematurely. And then there’s the flip side of the same issue, where folks postpone the appointed time for various reasons. Human nature naturally recoils from death, and in
the following instance we observe that a choice is made through prayer, for an extended existence. In both Mrs. Strydom’s case, and the next example we will look at, the human agent chose their own time of departure, and God permitted it because of our freedom of choice. Let’s read:
2nd Kings 20:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.
2 Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, saying,
3 I beseech thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
4 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying,
5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord.
6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years”…..
During those fifteen extra years, a son by the name of Manasseh was born to Hezekiah, and he turned out to be one of the most wicked kings to reign over Israel. God in His foreknowledge had seen the train wreck coming, and in His wisdom and mercy, had scheduled Hezekiah’s funeral before such a serious tragedy should take place. But Hezekiah was not willing to go along with God’s plans, and so he made his own time of expiration, and the rest is history, for, beginning with the very next chapter, we see an example of the results of choosing our own time over God’s own. Let’s read:
2nd Kings 21:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem”…..
2 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel.
3 For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.
6 And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger.
16 Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; beside his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin, in doing that which was evil in the sight of the Lord.
Thus, the focus of our study for this evening will not be diet, but rather common sense, and Biblical laws and principles, which, if applied, can in most cases, extend our lives significantly, bringing us into line with God’s ideal will for each of us. The issue of God’s timing and our longevity is one that needs to be understood by everyone, for there are very great misconceptions as to God’s will for His people as it pertains to the issue of the time to die.
In our first passage in Ecclesiastes, where it speaks of “A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which planted”, God’s ideal time for planting and reaping, birthing and dying is being referenced, but we must never take that to mean that we are thus prevented from making any input, or altering in any way, God’s ideal plan for our lives.
And especially when it comes to the issue of long life, The Lord will have us to understand that our own choices often interfere with His ideal timing, and causes most of us to die prematurely. For instance, two Christian young people were drag racing on a busy street, when they lost control at high speed, got into a fatal crash, and were killed instantly on the scene. This was absolutely not God’s time for them to die, and in situations such as these we should know that certain courses of action can signally derail God’s ideal will for our longevity.
Similarly, we can cut short our lives by ingesting certain forbidden foods, and a whole lot of disease and human suffering, and healthcare costs can be incurred simply by making choices that effectively negate God’s will for us as it pertains to long life. Let’s read:
Leviticus 17:13 And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust.
14 For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.
“Shall be cut off”. Those four words often haunt the minds of individuals, causing many to blame God for their misfortunes and early demise, as if He is the one doing the “Cutting off”. We can, and often do “Cut off” our own selves by following our own ways. The work of satan is to tempt us into believing that God is working against us, when in fact, Jesus Christ came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. If we choose to dig our graves with our teeth, let none be found blaming God or asking why me, for God has made ample provision for each of us to make sensible choices in our life experiences, so that we may promote longevity. Let’s read:
[The Great Controversy pp. 36] God does not stand toward the sinner as an executioner of the sentence against transgression; but he leaves the rejecters of his mercy to themselves, to reap that which they have sown. Every ray of light rejected, every warning despised or unheeded, every passion indulged, every transgression of the law of God, is a seed sown, which yields its unfailing harvest.
Donald Trump has come under fire in recent days for what many people describe as very incendiary remarks against women and minorities. But in fact he has some bright spots in his life experience, for he does not drink or smoke. These are two highly recommended habits which will go a long way in fostering longevity, hence the reason why we keep saying that God is much more practical and down to earth in His instructions to us, than many people realize. Will Trump be saved because of those good habits? Absolutely not. Will he reap the benefits in this life? Absolutely. And there are other scriptural instructions which would have the same exact effect. Let’s read:
Leviticus 17:23 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.
24 And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise eat of it.
25 For whosoever eateth the fat of the beast, of which men offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord, even the soul that eateth it shall be cut off from his people.
The planting season for tomatoes in Florida usually starts just before spring, but that does not prevent someone from planting seeds around Christmas time. Will they grow? Probably not! Does God then prevent anyone from going contrary to the laws on sowing, and planting their tomatoes at odd times? Absolutely not. Similarly, there is a time to expire which is God’s ordained time. But just like with the stubborn farmer who chooses to plant his tomato seeds in the dead of winter, just so any person can expire quite prematurely, before the God ordained time, simply because of a wrong course of action pursued.
As a matter of fact, human beings actually have one of at least two choices, when it comes to a time to expire. We can submit to God’s schedule, or we can choose our own, and then there is the third way of passing by which a person may die as a result of the actions of others, such as terrorism, or accidents in which bystanders have been mowed down. But one thing is certain, in many cases our choice is made to override God’s will. Indeed, it is a sad commentary that we make, that the overwhelming majority of the inhabitants of earth do expire outside of God’s schedule, whereas God’s will for us generally is to live as long as is possible, in as healthy a state as possible, and then to die quickly, without suffering years and years of debilitating pain and agony. This is absolutely not God’s ideal will Let’s read:
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Proverbs 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3rd John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy
soul prospereth.
Ecclesiastes 7:7 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
Thus, our case study for this evening will be taken from the life of one of the most prolific writers of the Bible, even the apostle Paul, who chose his own time to die, and as a result, expired prematurely. As we read, let us remember that God, in most cases, does not interfere with our personal choices, nor does He usually reverse the laws of cause and effect but instead allows them to run their natural course, in most instances. Let’s read:
Acts 21:10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, the will of the Lord be done.
That last statement, “The will of The Lord be done” needs clarification, for it is often used to gloss over issues and actions in which we may have chosen to do our own will. The question that we most need to answer in this case is, what was God’s will for Paul’s life in this instance? Was it His will for Paul to go up to Jerusalem, and be severely beaten to a pulp, and from there, to go on to be jailed, and never, ever again to be set free, and then to be executed by the Roman authorities? Was this the will of God, even if many souls were converted, and several rulers were exposed to the truth?
And is it God’s will that we should deliberately imperil our lives for the sake of the gospel especially after being warned of such things by The Holy Ghost. This causes other questions to arise, for if Paul’s decision was really aligned with God’s will for him, then why would the Holy Ghost give him such a graphic warning? Let’s read:
Acts 21:27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,
28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.
29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.
31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.
God’s ideal will for us is to avoid putting ourselves at unnecessary risk in any and every situation, if it can be avoided, and this principle also covers the preaching of the gospel in places and communities where folks harbor deep hatred against the truth. In other words, except God personally bids us go into a dangerous environment, we should avoid doing so at all costs. This is not merely the right or intelligent thing to do, it is a direct instruction coming from Christ Himself, both by precept and example. Let’s read:
Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
Thus there are a few conclusions we can draw from several passages of scripture which pertain to the issue of longevity, and if we implement them, we will find ourselves much more aligned with God’s plan for us. In addition to this, it is of the most critical importance that our ideas and concepts of God’s interaction with us be informed by the bible, especially as we move into very turbulent waters. If we do not understand how God works in our behalf, we will be ill-prepared to trust and obey His voice when it begins to sound in our ears, in the most literal sense. The time of trouble just before us will require an intelligent faith and understanding of the God whom we serve.
So here are three brief pointers which if observed can save us from dying before our time, and as we read, let’s remember that God’s will is that every instruction in His word be followed diligently, so as to procure a healthy body and mind, together with length of days. Let’s read:
[1] Do not go unbidden to places where the forces of satan are firmly entrenched. If God did not send us into such places, we should not go. This first instruction also covers situations in which we may previously have known there is danger lurking. If with a factual knowledge of danger, we proceed without God’s permission, we will put ourselves at great risk, and there’s absolutely no guarantee that God will hear or even answer our prayers in such situations. Let’s read:
[Testimonies for the church vol. 2 pp. 222] It is dangerous for those who wish to honor God to find their pleasure and entertainment with companions who fear Him not. Satan ever surrounds such with great darkness; and if those who profess Christ go unbidden into this darkness, they tempt the devil to tempt them. If, in order to do good and glorify His name, the Lord requires us to go among infernal spirits, where is the blackest darkness, He will encircle us with His angels and keep us unsullied. But if we seek the company of sinners, and are pleased with their coarse jests, and entertained and amused with their stories, sports, and ribaldry, the pure and holy angels remove their protection and leave us to the darkness we have chosen.
Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
15 And was there until the death of Herod”….
John 7:1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet Come”….
[The Desire Of Ages pp. 225] Jesus refused to go outside the path of obedience. While manifesting perfect trust in His Father, He would not place Himself, unbidden, in a position that would necessitate the interposition of His Father to save Him from death. He would not force Providence to come to His rescue, and thus fail of giving man an example of trust and submission.
[2] The adoption of the laws of health will go a long way in promoting longevity, to Christians and non- Christians alike. The laws of God are eternal in nature, and anyone who subscribes to the teachings of the Bible will reap the benefits in this life, and if Christ is in the vessel, eternal life. Let’s read:
Psalms 103: 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
[3] Prayer in all things is an indispensable asset, for even with an over-abundance of knowledge and understanding at our disposal, yet we will still need God’s guidance, direction, will power, and energy in order to cooperate with Him in all things. Long life with good quality is not the result of chance or of accident, but is the fruit of the harmonious working together of the Divine with the human agent.
And if we are faithful, the prospect is before us that we may never taste of death, if this is God’s will. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which emphasizes the last point on prayer, and it is the will of God that we put not our trust in man, but in the Living God in whose hands we are. Let’s read:
Psalm 91:He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word.
God bless!