It’s a COVID19 story. The very last words of a young man were both touching and tragic. “I think I made a mistake. I thought this was a hoax, but it’s not.” The rest of the story in a minute. But first, take a moment to reflect on other scenarios in life.

Some think other critical issues are just a hoax too – but they are not. Some say there’s nothing after death – there is no eternity. It’s all a scam. There’s no heaven or hell. It’s a religious hoax.  Others allege the Bible is a disjointed compilation of fiction, propagating conspiracies from outer space about a top God intervening in human affairs. “It’s all a hoax to control people,” they say.

What a rude awakening to find out that it’s all very real but the window to do a 180° about-face in your thinking has abruptly closed. “I think I made a mistake. I thought this was a hoax, but it’s not.”

Before telling you about the party the 30-year-old man attended, think about this a bit more deeply.

What if you are right and I am wrong – what do I have to lose as a Christian? Let’s say you’re right and there is no life after death – there is no Heaven or Hell. What have I lost? Absolutely nothing – because I am enjoying my life right now – a life of fulfillment, meaning, purpose, and peace. I am enjoying an abundant life in Jesus Christ.

Jesus said: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:10-11

But, what if I am right and you are wrong? What if there is such a thing as the eternal ages after death in either Heaven or Hell? What if Jesus Christ really is the only way to Heaven? What if  I am right about Bible truth and you are wrong – what do you have to lose?

The answer is painfully obvious. Your soul.

Prepare to meet your God. Amos 4:12

The person who knows and loves the Lord Jesus Christ is the winner either way.

Friend, what the Bible says is real. Forget about places of worship and their problems or religious leaders and their failures. All are broken by sin. Turn only to God’s Word, the Bible. It is real and it’s reliable – it’s NOT a hoax! Only Christ Himself is worthy of your trust – everyone else and everything else will let you down when it comes to your need to be right with God before you take your last breath.

Back to the COVID19 story.

The 30-year-old male had attended one of those COIVD19 parties. It is reckless, to say the least, but there are numerous reports from various cities of younger people throwing parties. Someone who tests positive hosts or attends the party. Everyone who attends the party puts money in the pot. The first person after the party who contracts the virus and tests positive gets the entire pot of money. (1) There are variations in how these parties are conducted.

Dr. Jane Appleby, chief medical officer for Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital, in San Antonio, TX, released this very sad story. (2)

A 30-year-old male attended a COVID19 party. He took the risk. He took the gamble.

Dr. Appleby shared with the world the very last words the young man uttered: “I think I made a mistake. I thought this was a hoax, but it’s not.”

Spiritually, some seem to take a similar view of what is deadly serious. But you know life is not just a party. You know the Bible is true and eternal matters are real. You believe the facts about Jesus Christ and you even know He is the only way to Heaven and eternal life. You know all of this is not a hoax; your error is – you’re gambling with time and your priorities.

It is always thrilling to hear stories of people whose last words reaffirmed their absolute trust in Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord.

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.  (7)  For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.  (8)  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  (9)  Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.  Romans 5:6-9 NASB

Have you thought about what you would like your last-words to be if you have the time to utter last-words before taking your last breath?

Sources:

  1. https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/people-in-alabama-are-throwing-covid-19-parties-with-a-payout-when-one-gets-infected-official-1.5007903
  2. https://abcnews.go.com/US/30-year-man-dies-attending-covid-party-thinking/story?id=71731414

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