The following people all have something in common. Do you know what it is?
Princess Margaret, Jim Wakefield, Stephen J. Gould, Wilbur Bailey, Ann Landers, Rosemary Clooney, Johnny Unitas, and Lorayne Harper
All of these people had at least one thing in common; they all died last year.
It is important that we not trivialize death, nor make a joke about dying. But death is one thing all of us have in common, whether we are just common folks or national figures. Last fall, the threat of death flew in the face of men and women all over our country with the Washington, D. C. area snipers. Before that, the threat of death was felt at the hands of international terrorists; we were all touched by that threat.
This week, a young lady (well, she was my age, and I still feel young) who had been in my class in college died. She was vivacious and so alive. None of us were ready for her passing despite the fact that she had been battling cancer for years, and two weeks ago had been given just two weeks to live. Suddenly, death seems nearer and more personal. This Christian sister leaves behind two daughters, both recent college graduates, a husband, and at least one sister. She also leaves behind lots of Christian friends who deeply admired her spirit.
Death is one thing that all men face, good or bad, famous or not, rich or poor, educated or uneducated. A familiar passage says: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
To some, death is not as fearful as it is to others. To a Christian, death is something expected but not feared.
The words of Paul should be ours as well: “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better; Nevertheless, to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Phil 1:20-24). Even later in his life, expecting certain death, Paul would say: “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
May his hope be ours.
—Michael Moss
