Equalization

Will any teach God knowledge, seeing that he judges those who are on high? One dies in his full vigor, being wholly at ease and secure, his pails full of milk and the marrow of his bones moist. Another dies in bitterness of soul, never having tasted of prosperity. They lie down alike in the dust, and the worms cover them.
Job 21:22–26
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Equalization
No matter one’s lot in life, whether prince or pauper, we all share equally in at least one thing, death.  Death is the great equalizer.  No matter how much we try and avoid death, by right living, medicine, or bargaining, it comes for us all.  At the end of the day our mortal coil is fated for the same end.  Job paints a disturbing but accurate vison of this equalization when he says, “They lie down alike in the dust, and the worms cover them.”  Yet death does not have the final say.  Whether we realize it or not, we all live forever.  The only question is where will forever be.  In death we face God, a terrifying prospect for the wicked, but a humbling and joyous day for the faithful.  For at the moment of a Christians death judgement comes.  We stand before the throne of God to receive our verdict, not guilty! Not on account f our works or pious living, not on account of anything we have done, but solely on account of Christ.  His righteousness was given to us. In faith we grasp the promise of salvation won on the cross.  Through our Baptisms we are clothed in Christ’s righteousness, there able to stand before God in humble adoration of His divine goodness and mercy.