Today Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh died. A positive example in many ways. Loyal to both His adopted country and his wife, Elizabeth II, the queen of England. He was a very talented man with many accomplishments. What a challenge it must have been to be constantly in the shadow of his wife, and yet he did so in a positive manner.

He is well known for many quotes. Here is one of his longer ones:

"It is frequently more rewarding merely to ask pertinent questions. It may get someone to go and look for an answer. If you get a silly answer, which can easily happen, you can return to the charge with even more telling effect. Whatever happens, don't give up and don't despair. Results may not be immediately apparent, but you may have touched a receptive chord without knowing it. Even the most unsympathetic and unenlightened politician, industrialist or bureaucrat begins to take notice when a lot of people write about the same subject."

So as we contemplate the death of this royal gentleman, let us also ponder the serious questions of life:

Why are we here on this earth?

What is our purpose? What is our calling? Our reason for being?

Is there a God?

What is His plan for mankind?

Is there life after death?

Is it possible to live forever?

When will He intervene in the affairs of man?

When will He send His son back?

And also more personal questions:

Am I living in a manner pleasing to God and His son Christ?

Will they be pleased with me when Christ returns?

Solomon wrote

Ecc 3:1 NLT - For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

Ecc 3:2 NLT - A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.

Prince Philip's time is over. He lived a full life. But we are still alive and we still have choices to make. So as we ponder the death of a respected man, let us also ponder the bigger questions of life while we are still able to. Are we remembering our Creator - God the Father, and His Son who died for us?

Ecc 12:1 NLT - Don't let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, "Life is not pleasant anymore."

Ecc 12:2 NLT - Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky.

Ecc 12:3 NLT - Remember him before your legs--the guards of your house--start to tremble; and before your shoulders--the strong men--stoop. Remember him before your teeth--your few remaining servants--stop grinding; and before your eyes--the women looking through the windows--see dimly.

Ecc 12:4 NLT - Remember him before the door to life's opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint.

Ecc 12:5 NLT - Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral.

Ecc 12:6 NLT - Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don't wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well.

Ecc 12:7 NLT - For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.