No Fear in Death

Tonight, my family is still recovering from the shock of the loss of a brother in Christ. Tears have fallen, prayers have been said, and questions asked. Questions that I know will never be answered here on this earth. Why would God take such a mighty Christian man in the prime of his life? Why would God leave a lovely woman without a husband and two beautiful little boys without a daddy? Why would God see him safely through the horrors of Iraq and Afghanistan only to allow him to die on a road outside of Tuscon? I don't know.

What I do know, is that though his time with us was very brief, he left a mark on our lives that can never be erased. His passion for God and love for His word were evident from the moment we met him. His devotion to his wife and children were inspiring and beautiful. His love of his country was humbling to say the least. Not to mention, he was a heck of an ultimate frisbee player. He was truly someone that every young man in our fellowship could look up to an proudly emulate.

Though his death is a huge loss for us, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that his crown has been attained. As I sat at the kitchen table tonight, the song "In Christ Alone" came to my mind. Especially the last verse.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me.
From life's first cry, till final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand.
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

Yes, the body of Christ has lost a strong and wonderful brother. But there is no fear for us nor for him. The solid Rock is as strong a foundation as it has ever been. May He continue to be a source of comfort and strength to our sister, her children, and to us as well.

"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:6-8