Our brother passed away this week after a rather short and brutal bought with cancer. He was too young, too good, and had too much to live for. To find faithful, trustworthy, loving, compassionate, dedicated, and godly men is rare today. Our brother was that, as a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a coworker, and a neighbor you would be truly pressed to find someone better. At the center of it all was his faith, a faith marked by many who poured their lives into him and faith that was tested as he walked through life. This faith in Christ marked him deeply and provided life and direction even to his final days.
Just a few weeks ago at his eldest son’s graduation, our brother, knowing some would be there who needed encouragement, packed up his walker and numerous copies of Neil Andersson’s Victory Over the Darkness. This book was one of the major influences on his faith, life and identity. He, even in his weakened state, had those who he had been praying for on his mind and wanted them to know the life a freedom that Jesus had given him.
This is the type of man he was. And to lose this type of man in a world filled with so many who are not, is nothing less than a tragedy!
“Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?”
Job 21:7 NIV
Job was asking, in an argument with friends who were not that helpful, ‘why?’ You see he had lost everything and even his friends, while potentially well intentioned, were not providing answers that satisfied the deep questions in his soul.
In the midst of pain and loss there is a uniquely human response, a need to know, ‘why is this happening’. And like a moth to a flame we are drawn to this question even at the risk our own potential demise.
For those who profess faith, many times, these moments are the hardest. For we cannot understand why some who are greedy, wicked, and vile seem to thrive here, and a good man, a faithful man, a man of integrity, honor, faith, and love would be overcome by sickness and death.
This is NOT the way it is supposed to be.
Even Jesus faced this pain of loss. In mark 5 we read of amazing miracles, spectacular power that transformed lives, even raising a dead girl back to life. And then in chapter 6 this power expands as he sends out the 12 to do miracles, heal the sick and conquer evil! But horrifically at the end of chapter 6 Jesus loses the one person who was arguably the only one on earth who truly understood him, he lost his cousin John the Baptist to a murderous plot.
Have you ever thought about this. In the Christmas story before Mary miraculously conceived Jesus her cousin who was very old was also given a miraculous birth. It was John, who before he was even born, had the Holy Spirit come on him and recognized Jesus from the womb! I have to believe that growing up Jesus may have relied on John his older cousin like an older brother. John uniquely understood and was committed to the journey that Jesus was on.
So when John was beheaded this loss was deep for Jesus, likely far deeper than any other. Why didn’t Jesus heal John? Why not miraculously put his head back on and raise him from dead.
Why???
Maybe this question was rattling deep within Jesus when some of his followers ask it, maybe that is why Jesus snaps at them and makes that bold, rebuking statement that there has never been anyone greater than his cousin.
The reality is that God is able and faithful to produce miracles. He loves and provides. He walks with us protecting us from the front and from the rear. He is an ever present hope.
It is also true that sickness and death, while on the retreat, are by no means yet defeated. And the pain and suffering that come when those closest to us are lost is very real. Jesus faced this horrible personal scenario not unlike many today. He not only understands our pain but he provides help, healing, and strength in the midst.
““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.””
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
Jesus promises to carry us through circumstances that we could not possibly get through on our own. For my brother’s family and friends who are left with a gaping hole in their lives, there is someone greater who is faithful and present. Even in the depths of grief and the darkness of uncertainly, Jesus is there. He is our light and life.
And the greatest hope is in the reality that our reality is not the only reality. In fact true life finds fulfillment in Christ after death. The apostle Paul in facing hardship and death penned these words:
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:21 NIV
Paul understood that this life is not the end but the beginning. An eternity awaits us of beauty, adventure, love, joy, excitement, and life! For those like my brother who has passes they are experiencing this now. And for those of us who live here in the dimly lit understanding of this world we hold onto the hope of life eternal.
This life is available not for those who are good enough or born into the right family, but for those who place their faith, hope, and devotion – who follow – Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ.
Its Not the Way it’s Supposed to Be….
That is why for us who remain here and now with great loss, Jesus compassionately carries our burdens. And that is also why for those who have passed from this life to the next the enemies of sickness, sorrow, and death are defeated and no more!