A Set Time to Die?

By Elton Camp

I can’t see a good reason why

Some think a time is set to die.

They say it is reliable 

And found in the Bible.

Ecclesiastes can be given that twist,

But only when the context is missed.

Its “A time to live, a time to die,”

To set a limit to life doesn’t try.

“Turn from sin so you can live”

Would not be God’s to give

If he had already set a date

When each meets his fate.

Why did Jesus bother to heal the ill

If for them to die was divine will?

Why did he bring Lazarus from his tomb

When he had reached the day of his doom?

If your day of death is already set

Why with doctors need you fret?

Why look when crossing the street

If it’s not time your death to meet?

And when a vicious murderer comes along,

If his victims are set to die, he does no wrong.

From society there should be no taunts,

If he only carried out what God wants.

When a bomb is dropped on a town,

All were set on that day to go down?

When a closer look is taken,

Such belief is seen mistaken.

Wearing seat belts causes deaths to drop,

How could this any scheduled deaths stop?

Why try to eat a wholesome diet

If you’ve already lost the fight?

The chance that we will live to grow old

Is to some extent within our own control.

No date for death his been set,

Though some will insist so yet.

Those persuaded against their will

Do remain of the same opinion still.

But please give it a try

Ignore that foolish lie.