The Face of King Tut Revealed

To some he is affectionately known as ‘The Golden Boy’. To others he is simply ‘King Tut’. But ‘The Guardian Unlimited’ ran a recent story revealing that some 85 years after the discovery of the boy king, Tutankhamun, the 3,000 year old mummy’s face was finally exposed to an ever curious world.

Apparently time’s exposure has ‘taken its toll on Tut’. But scientists are now trying to restore the mummy as best they can despite the face of the deceased 19-year old being the only portion still in decent shape. The opening and transferring of the body from the stone sarcophagus to a climate-controlled glass enclosure should help to slow down any further decay. Tut’s opening has also allowed scientists to know that he was apparently healthy and did not die by assassination or some serious injury as some thought.

The attempts of the early Egyptians to prepare for the next life through their unique embalming process remain a source of intrigue, as the continued interest reveals. The deceased would have major organs removed and saved as it was thought there was a guardian deity for each one. Often useful items for the next life were likewise entombed. And in the case of kings, most of their earthly treasure was included to ensure the same lavish life-style in the next life as they enjoyed in the past one.

Despite how famous and amazing these preservation attempts became, they failed to address something rather crucial in the mix. Their painstaking physical preparation for the next life was highly contrasted by their equal lack of spiritual readiness for the same.

In John 11 Jesus was summoned to heal a severely sick friend. Upon the Lord’s carefully timed arrival on the scene, Lazuarus was already in the tomb four days after having been wrapped from head to foot in mummy-like grave clothes, the standard preparation of the day. But when Jesus did arrive on the dreary scene, He called out to His Heavenly Father, resurrected His departed friend, and in verse 43 commanded the bystanders, "Loose him, and let him go."

Just prior to the outward public miracle, the Lord related to Lazarus’ grieving sister the basis for any successful life after death. In verse 25 He said, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." His great declaration was followed by a probing question. " Do you believe this?’" Then in turn came her affirmative answer of saving faith in verse 27, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."

It has been said at death, "You can’t take it with you." That is of course correct in the physical material realm. But proper preparation for life after death can be taken to the grave by coming to the One that defeated sin - including both physical and spiritual death. And those who do that are then given a glimpse of what they will someday experience in 1 John 3:2. " Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."

That is a glorious promise and obviously far beyond any human logic or comprehension. But those who will enjoy the blessings of that Heavenly life are still cautioned about the life they still lead in that third verse. "And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."

Bill Breckenridge