The World's Top Killer

It is sometimes called simply the “Big C”, and according to the World health Organization (WHO), cancer will become the world’s top killer, replacing heart disease by the year 2010. In addition, it is estimated that global cancer cases will actually double by 2030. WHO reports some 12 million diagnosed cases this year, along with 7 million cancer-related deaths.

A primary reason for the dramatic increase is thought to be the rising tobacco use in developing countries, especially in countries like China and India where 40 percent of the world's smokers now live. Should the trend continue, experts feel that new cancer cases would balloon to 27 million annually over the next two decades or so. Dr. Douglas Blayney of the American Society of Clinical Oncology stated, "Few are aware that cancer already kills more people in poor countries than HIV, malaria and tuberculosis combined. And if current smoking trends continue, the problem will get significantly worse."

One of the great undeniable facts of life is that it eventually leads to death. With all of the modern breakthroughs in medical technology, life’s duration has been extended, but death has not yet been defeated – at least in the physical realm. All will die, with the exception of those who are alive when Christ returns. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

The process of dying understandably brings anxiety. But even so, Scripture reveals how godly people are given something unique to deal with the pain that occurs in life and often accompanies their death. The Apostle Paul wrote how life’s physical difficulties are often not eliminated by God, but rather designed or allowed for His glory and purpose.

Paul relates his own predicament and God’s response in 2 Corinthians 12. In verse 7-9 he writes, ”And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Again, physical death, in one form or another, will force itself equally upon mankind until the moment Jesus Christ officially defeats it forever. (1 Corinthians 15:26) But those who know Him will recognize their Savior’s awesome power over the grave and how that pertains to their eternal future. And they will possess a supernatural confidence in knowing of the victory promised them in 1 Corinthians 15.

“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:51-55)

Death will come to all but need not defeat any!

Bill Breckenridge