When Mt. Vesuvius erupted it brought swift and complete destruction to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. Because of the lack of air and moisture, the state of things was preserved in great detail. Today archeologists are able to see exactly what position people were in as they died. A large group of remains was found seeking shelter from the eruption in a cellar. They were able to determine that both rich and poor sought refuge there. The wealthy were found huddled on one side of the room, and the poor were huddled together on the other side. The wealthy were clinging to their jewels - many of the bones were actually stained green from jewels. Isn’t that sad?

Death is the great equalizer - the rich and poor in that cellar met the same fate. 1 John says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world… the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” I want to abide forever, don’t you?

You know, we will all face death one day. I pray that we would reach our world with the Good News so others don’t have to die in fear, clinging hopelessly to earthly things. The only true hope for eternity is Jesus Christ. Tell someone about Him today.

This is Luis Palau.