1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Family is more than a marketing buzzword. It is the most basic and beloved of human relationships. It was instituted by God himself all the way back in the Garden of Eden.

Since Eve first held Cain and Abel, parents have wondered what life holds for their new baby, who they will marry, what they will do, and how long they will live. Even in the midst of their wondering and amazement, one thing is sure. They know that child will one day die.

Every family member lives with the knowledge they don't have long together on this earth, but even more, there are no guarantees at all. Death comes to all men. Sometimes it knocks, giving fair warning, sometimes it comes at the most unexpected and inopportune time. However it comes, death is a basic, unavoidable experience in every human family that has no place in God's family.

The absence of death in the family of God is all the more striking when you consider that God gave his only begotten Son to die so we human sinners could be adopted children of God and given eternal life, never knowing death as members of God's family.

Your family is precious. Time passes quickly. Death comes soon. Enjoy this life to the fullest, for it will soon be gone; make preparations for the next life, for it will soon be.

—Luke