“And it is appointed into men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27 KJV
This passage is one of the most misinterpreted in the Bible. The fact that we all must die is not disputed, but most people believe that God has set the appointment for their death and there is nothing they can do to change that. “When its your time, its your time.” Have you heard that before? The scripture does not say that. God does not have a date circled on His calendar as the day you leave this planet. Yes it is appointed into men once to die, but we set the appointment!
Remember when God sent the prophet to Hezekiah telling him to set his house in order because he would surely die? Hezekiah did not accept that. He turned his face to the wall and cried out to God. Before the prophet could leave the outer court God turned him around. Hezekiah was given 15 more years.
The Bible does speak often of the length of life and oftentimes it is conditional. Our obedience to God can extend our lives (Deut. 25:15, Psalm 21:4, Prov. 3:2,16). Honoring your parents can extend your life(Exodus 20:12, Deut.5:16).
Just as we have the ability to extend our lives, so does Satan work just as hard to shorten our lives. John 10:10 says the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He is responsible for sickness, diseases, accidents, acts of nature, and catastrophes that kill. He wants you off this planet as quickly as possible so that you are not a threat to him. There are many who live in fear of catastrophes in their lives. These things ought not to be. The most important weapon we have us our words. Death and life is in the power of the tongue. Don’t believe me? Ask Dr. Martin Luther King. “…I might not get there with you…”. Ask Tupac Shakur. “…will I live to be 23…”. Let’s put Psalms 91 on our lips daily. “I dwell in the secret place of the most high”; “… No evil befalls me…”; “…with long life he satisfies me…” That means I’m not leaving this planet until I am satisfied. I’ll set my own appointment!
