If you’re old enough, you know exactly where you were when you heard that President Kennedy was assassinated or that Elvis Presley died. We only know of three people who never experienced death, and yet when someone famous dies, we are often shocked.

Which three people never died? 

Don’t read on until you’ve tried to answer … “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away” (Genesis 5:24). Melchizedek appeared before Abram in Genesis 14; then in Hebrews 7:3, he’s described as “without beginning of days or end of life.” Finally, “Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind” (2 Kings 2:11).

Besides these three men, everyone before us has passed away. But everyone on earth (past, present, future) has eternity waiting for them. How you live this life impacts the next. What is your focus? Money? Fame? Successful career? Beautiful home? Loving family? These things are blessings, but they distract us from the purpose of this life. Jesus directly revealed life’s purpose: “The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). This life is about believing in Jesus so you can live with Jesus in eternity’s paradise.

Five minutes after Kennedy or Elvis or the next notable celebrity dies, it doesn’t matter that they were famous. Five minutes after they die, it matters—eternally—if they had faith in Jesus. 

Do you have faith in Christ? If the answer is yes, then anything else in this life is a blessing.