We were still processing the horror of the bombings in Boston when word came of another tragic event in West, Texas. In both instances, death and destruction came with little or no warning. Innocent victims were claimed. The shock waves from both events have spread far and wide. We realize more clearly than ever that we are mortal.
There are some activities that are bristling with risks. Mountain climbers who scale dangerous peaks understand that their lives are on the line. Skydivers must enjoy the rush of emotions as they plummet toward earth, but they also know the extreme danger of their sport. But those poor folks in Boston and West were simply - living. Is that now on the list of high risk activities?
As a matter of fact, everyday living does carry risks. An article on MedHelp.org entitled "The 25 Most Common Causes Of Death" underscores the risk we take each day we live: "The truth is, you're 23 times more likely to die falling off a building than in a skydiving accident, and 40 thousand times more likely to die crossing the street than in a terrorist attack on a commercial airliner." (http://www.medhelp.org/general-health/articles/The-25-Most-Common- Causes-of-Death/193)
As one distressing headline follows another, more people are struggling with the realization that they are not guaranteed another day - another minute, in fact - of life. One moment all seems well; the next moment the unexpected has happened.
This fear of death can be crippling. But as someone has observed: "The fear of death won't keep you from dying; but it can keep you from living." There are some things I can do to minimize the possibility of my early demise - avoid fast driving, buckle my seat belt, run from angry bears, etc. But there is no way I can totally remove the risks of living.
Removing the fear of death - Jesus can help us with that.
"Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery" (Hebrews 2:14,15, ESV). What Jesus did for us at Calvary was more than make forgiveness possible, though that is a significant feat. He also made it possible for us to live outside of the shadow of death.
Isn't this one reason the 23rd Psalm is so beloved? Recall these lines: "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. ... Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:1,4). When we must approach that fearful valley of death, whether abruptly or through a prolonged march, Jesus will walk with His people. He can deliver us from the fear of dying.
Paul knew his departure was near when he wrote these words: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that day ..." (2 Timothy 4:7,8).
That sense of calm confidence as we view our mortality is a gift to all who are in Christ!
Timothy D. Hall
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