Breath is associated with life. “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.” (Gen. 2:7). The body was just a form from the earth until God breathed life into it and the body became a living soul. This means you are not a body with a soul, but a soul with a body. When your breath ceases, your body ceases, but your eternal soul still exists (Eccl. 12:7). There are no exceptions – none!
First Breath: (Note: a baby has life within the womb, but the first breath is taken at birth). “The most profound event at birth is the baby’s first breath. The newborn baby’s lungs were filled with fluid, but now must be filled with oxygen. The first few gasps of breath may be the most difficult breaths the baby will ever take.” (healthychild.org). (Note: Some say the first breath and cry of the newborn baby removes all pains of childbirth). Since birth, how many breaths have you taken? “Based on 12 breaths per minute, an average person takes 17,280 breaths a day.” Now take a deep breath and consider how many days and years you have existed. My goal is to live to be 100 years old and die healthy. So far – so good!
Last Breath: “As death approaches, the body slowly shuts down. Breathing becomes shallow, quiet, and slow. At any time there may be an audible sigh or moan which are caused by air passing over the relaxed vocal cords causing them to vibrate and sound. This is not a sign of pain or distress. There will be an audible gasp just before the final breath is released. The eyes may also open wide and then close, or remain partially open. The lower jaw muscles may relax and the jaw falls open as that last breath is taken.” (brainhospice.com).
Only the Bible explains what happens afteryour last breath. “Then shall the dust return to the earth…and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (Ecc.12:7; Gen. 3:10). Those who die in Christ (1Thess. 4:13; 2 Cor.5:17). ) “Absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). Those who die without Christ (Eph. 2:12). You have a divine appointment to meet God (Heb. 9:27, LK 16:23). Now inhale and exhale and praise the Lord you still hath breath. “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord” (Psa.150:6).
Dear friend, you have been blessed to breathe these many years but one day there will be one last breath between you and death. The widow’s son died, “There was no breath left in him” (1 Kgs 17:17). One day no breath will be left in you. Now, take another deep breath, pause, and receive and believe in Christ as your Saviour (John 1:12). Selah! Think about it! First Breath: Life – Last Breath: Death
Don’t count the days – Make the days count
