In the last month there have been 2 deaths of people that I have known. The first was a young man who was 34 years old. He left behind a wife and 2 small children. John was in my first youth group many years ago. John was well loved and will be missed by his friends and family. He had a significant impact on all of those around him. I had lost touch with him afer he left college in the early 90's. It was bitter sweet to reconnect with his friends and family at the funeral. While I was sitting at the funeral, I thought how difficult it is for someone so young to pass away so unexpectedly. A simple surgery procedure can go wrong all too quickly. Completely unexpected. Utterly painful for all of those left behind.
Just the other day an old friend from college passed away from complications following heart surgery. I remember Donnie from my early days of college back in 1972. He was full of energy and life. Don had a tremendous passion to share Christ with everyone he met. He maintained that zeal all through his life and ministry. The impact he had on other people is evident by the hundreds of comments on his Facebook page and that of his wife, Brenda. He was deeply loved and appreciated.
I am still processing the loss of Donnie. I can only imagine what his family is going through. Even though we know that death is only the beginning, the loss of a loved one is a challenging wound to heal. Donnie and I lost touch after leaving college and recently reconnected through Facebook. It is comforting to know that he impacted so many lives. It is equally uncomfortable when I realize that we were the same age.
Death is a mysterious path that we all will travel one day. My wife and I were just discussing this subject this morning. Donna and I are on the other side of our time on earth. It makes us think about the important things in life. It also gives me pause to consider death. Really, what is on the other side of life? What will it be like? What will it be like to face a holy God? In my humanity, I wonder if I am ready for that reality. I know what Scripture says; I have heard all of the sermons on eternal life. It does not stop the questions. Death is the one experience I have not faced. But I will one day.
That is the one thing that all humans have in common; we will die one day. Our physical bodies will wear down and we will return to the earth. Death cannot be experienced vicariously through the loss of another. We experience pain, but not death. We WILL face it on our own and by ourselves. One day we will close our eyes and never open them again. What then? What's next? We must come to grips with this reality.
Age is a not a determining factor for when we will die. It doesn't matter if we are a Christian or an atheist. Death waits for no man (or woman). Death levels the playing field for humanity.
Which brings me to the question of "what is the meaning and purpose of life?" What do I live for? How do I put my life together? If I am going to die one day, I must answer these questions. Please, no sermon quips and no Christianese sound bites. Answer the question for yourself, in your own words. Humanity has been on this quest from day one. Everything we do is about putting our lives together with intention and purpose. When you are in the dark places of life, and the only voice you hear is your own, what do you hear? What do you fear? Where will you place your trust?
If you deeply believe that there is a God, then live your life in such a way that proves that. If you do not believe that there is a God, well, good luck with that. I hope it works out for you. I don't know if I would like to be wrong on that.
I hope that you have answered the questions my human friends. Your life depends on it. How you answer them will determine your destiny.
