At the time of writing, it has just been announced that Michael Jackson has died. Despite his eccentricities, he was a man of talent and made a significant impact in the music industry. A little like the death of Diana, people are reeling in shock and sadness at this loss. 

Such untimely deaths serve to remind us of our own mortality. None of us know how long we or our loved ones have but if we all took a little time to reflect on death we would be able to live life more fully. We’d take less for granted, appreciate the important things in life more, resolve disputes quicker and treat each other better. I also personally think tributes are a little too late in the day – we should honour each other while we are still alive to receive it!

It's so easy to get caught up in the here and now though that we can forget it is not forever. Jesus said 'Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.' Luke 17:26-27.

People were too distracted to listen to the pleadings of a man building a huge boat on dry land. But it’s not too late for us. Consider your own mortality, appreciate the days you have been given and your loved ones, then consider Jesus who the bible describes as the ark – the place of salvation and refuge.

Joy Wilson, New Horizons Church