Strange Facts About Death
We might think we have death all figured out. But we don't.
· More people are killed by donkeys annually than are killed in plane crashes.
· More people are killed each year by coconuts than by sharks. Coconuts kill approximately 150 people annually.
· The animal responsible for the most human deaths worldwide is the mosquito.
· One hundred years ago, the average life expectancy in the United States was 47.
“Fear of premature burial was widespread in 18th- and 19th-century Europe, leading to the invention of the safety coffin. Over 30 different designs were patented in Germany in the second half of the 19th century. The common element was a mechanism for allowing the ‘dead’ to communicate with people above ground. Many designs included ropes which, when pulled, would ring the church bell, or a purpose-mounted bell. Others replaced the bell with a raisable flag, a powerful fire cracker or a pyrotechnic rocket. Some included a shovel, a ladder and a supply of food and water. An essential element, which was overlooked in some designs, was a breathing tube to provide air and occasionally even sustenance.
“In 1822, Dr. Adolf Gutsmuth of Seehausen, Altmark, demonstrated his design by having himself buried alive, whereupon he ‘stayed underground for several hours and had a meal of soup, beer and sausages served through the coffin’s feeding tube.’ Although several designs were built and sold, there is no indication that any dead person was ever buried in a safety coffin. Most models had sufficient design flaws to suggest that they would have been unlikely to have worked properly if they had actually been used.”1
We might think we have death all figured out. But we don’t. Even the closest followers of Jesus, whom he had told repeatedly that he’d rise from the dead on the third day, demonstrate confusion and fear both on Easter morning and Easter evening. And Jesus demonstrates patient love as much as he demonstrated his power over sin and death at his resurrection.
· “Do not be afraid” (Matthew 28:10).
· “Peace be with you. Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?” (Luke 24:36,38).
· “Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27).
Jesus knows death. He’s met this nemesis face to face, and slaughtered it. Death is dead for believers and followers of Jesus Christ. That may sound strange to those who live in fear of death by avoiding its reality, so be sure to help them understand.
· Talk about death (it’s in the news every day) and eternal life.
· Take your children to visit great-grandma in the hospital and hear her say, “I’m not afraid. Jesus lives and so will I.”
· Send notes of sympathy to friends whose loved ones die, and include encouragement about resurrection hope for those who believe.
Christ is risen!
PRAYER: God of life, we marvel at the mystery of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. Not only by his great love for us, but also by the reality of life that conquers death. By faith make us partakers of that life, and also its proclaimers as we share Christ with those who live as if they are approaching a dead end. Let your miraculous power continue to work in restoring faith, raising hope, and rescuing sinners who are lost without you. Amen.
1According to australianmuseum.net.au/safety-coffins (retrieved October 10, 2010 and quoted in Homiletics, Communication Resources, March/April 2011, p. 72).