In the spring of 1981, a young man was flown into desolate northern Alaska to photograph the natural beauty and mysteries of the tundra. He took along 500 rolls of film, several firearms, and 1,400 pounds of provisions.

As the months passed, the words in his diary changed from wonder and fascination into a nightmare. In August he wrote, "I think I should have used more foresight about arranging my departure. I'll soon find out." In November he died in a nameless valley, by a nameless lake, 225 miles northeast of Fairbanks. An investigation revealed that though he had carefully planned his trip, he had made no provision to be flown out.

We read in Deuteronomy that the Israelites made a similar mistake. For a while they had all they needed, but they forgot that it was God who provided for them (Dt. 32:15-18). It soon became obvious that they had given no thought to the outcome of worshiping false gods and living for their own enjoyment. Their behavior brought God's judgment (vv.19-25). They had failed to "consider their latter end" (v.29).

Have you thought about your latter end? It's wise to prepare for it now. Trusting Christ as Savior and living for Him is the only way to plan for the future.  — Mart De Haan