As He began the 33rd year of His life, it was like no other. The only difference was, He would not live to be 34. And He knew this.

If you knew this was your last year to live, would you do anything different? I would venture to say that most people reading this would say, "yes". For each one of us there would be things that would change. The most significant change, however, may be in our spiritual lives. If one is not in tune or in step with God, they would do whatever it takes to get that way.

Is there a response of some kind that you need to make toward God? Some people have never publically acknowledged Christ as Lord and Savior. They have never repented or been baptized to be forgiven (Acts 2:38). Some have done this and yet have drifted away from God. They once had a passion to live for and serve the Master each day. Now, they do not. Other things have gained control of their lives. They are listening to the sound of our culture, and living within it’s framework instead of surrendering themselves to God. Does any of this describe you today? God waits for our obedience to Him.

Let’s think together for a moment. Is there anyone in your life that has caused you harm you need to forgive but haven’t? Are you bearing a grudge against another person? Do you envy the things others have and desire to have them? Do you gossip about others? Have you harmed someone in some way that was wrong? Have you stopped attending services of the church? Do you attend but harbor ill will toward a brother or sister? We could go on but you get the picture.

Each one of us expects to live to a "ripe old age". And the majority probably will—unless Jesus comes first. Years ago there were many people who died on the Titanic. Do you think that when they began the year they thought it would be their last to live? How many Philistines who gathered to celebrate during the days of Samson do you think believed this would be their last year to live? (Judges 16:28-31) I would venture to say none of them.

As we begin this new year we do not know what it holds for us. We may live to see another year but we may not. The important thing for each of us to do is to make sure we are prepared if Jesus comes or if this is one last year to live.