October 1, 2013 (Tuesday)
Recently Turner Classic Movies showed five movies starrring Mario Lanza. One of them was entitled, “The Great Caruso,” which was a fictionalized account of the great singer’s life. Caruso was Lanza’s hero and model for his singing career. Lanza’s voice was, from all accounts, every bit as great as Caruso’s.
Enrico Caruso died at age 48, cutting short a magnificent life of music. Lanza’s life was even shorter, as he lived only until age 38.
It has been said, “One’s life is measured, not only in how long he lives, but in how well he lives.” Accepting that awesome fact, two people come to mind. First is Jesus of Nazareth, whom we worship as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Jesus’ earthly life lasted only 33 years.
The other person is the Apostle Paul, who was 33 years of age himself when he met the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus. He was instantly and permanently changed and spent the rest of his life spreading the gospel throughout the known world. His missionary ministry lasted 33 years.
God’s ways are mysterious and His reasons are known only to Him. Some live only brief lives, while others live a long time. What matters is how well we live. Are you living well? Will you hear the Lord say to you on that glorious day yet to come, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”