Why? in memorium

As we mourn the 'passing' ( why do we have so much of a problem with just calling it what it is? ) of a dear friend and ( church ) family member; our first reaction, especially since she was so young ( 16 ), is shock: 'I can't believe it!' was mine and some other friend's reaction. We don't want to believe that a person so young, especially one that we know and love so well, would be gone, just like that! The fact remains, though, that it has happened; we call it an 'accident', and in a sense it was; whatever might have happened that our friend is no longer 'with us', happened through no fault, no wish, no responsibility of our own, but God knew exactly what was happening! Now the questions start arising: 'Why does God allow things like this to happen?' 'Couldn't He have stopped this from happening?' 'Why?'

As I read John 11 this morning; I was reminded of Jesus words to Martha in verses 25 & 26; 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.' Although these words may bring the greatest comfort in this situation; it is Jesus words in the earlier verses of this chapter, and several toward the end, that I wish to direct your attention this morning.

In verses 14 & 15, Jesus told His disciples, 'Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe.' At the end of his statement in verse 26; Jesus asked Martha, 'Do you believe this?' Before Jesus commanded Lazarus to come forth; He made this prayer: 'Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.' It's easy and natural to think that our friend was taken 'before her time', or even to thing that it's just a meaningless tragedy, but as Christians, believers in Jesus Christ, we know better than that! Our friends 'passing' was not 'accidental' or meaningless ( though a 'tragedy' to those of us who loved her- she will be missed ). God shows us above that the 'passing' of His people ( from this life ) has a purpose; His purpose. We cannot say for sure His exact purpose for removing our friend from the trials and temptations of this life ( she was so young, Lord! ); but we can take comfort in Jesus words above. He told His disciples that the purpose behind Lazarus' 'passing' was not 'because it was his time', but that it was for the glory of God, so others might believe on Him!

We have heard of situations where people have had a 'salvation experience' after ( or even during ) their attendance of the funeral of a Christian. I believe that this happens, not so much through the words that the pastor might speak, convicting them of sin, but through the example of that person's loved ones, who mourn, not as others would, having no hope, and 'without God in the world.' ( Ephesians 2:12 ); but as rejoicing rather in our loved one's life, knowing that our loved one did not die in vain ( I Corinthians 15:58 ), in fact, that they are not truly dead but are still with us, having the Life of Christ ( Mark 12:26 & 27 )

By writing these words; I do not mean to 'trivialize' the 'passing' of our dear friend and loved one: rather, I wish to bring comfort to the hearts of those who will miss her physical presence! Her 'death' was not in vain, and although there is much cause for mourning, we also have much cause for rejoicing!

In closing; I wish to bring to mind the words of the apostle John, in I John 3:14, 'We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren.' We, along with every believer in Christ, have passed from death to life, but the one to whom I dedicate this article no longer is faced with the trials and temptations of this physical existence. We however can still 'ply our trade', loving and building His people, His Kingdom!

In His service, and alive in Him,
Charles Shank