5 Reminders from Untimely Death

“Crazy if it’s true.” That’s what I saw on my phone after my son’s basketball game. “What’s crazy if true?” I thought. I knew I had missed something. There were over 10 missed texts. So, what was “true?” The apparent death of Kobe Bryant.

It would seem like Sunday would be day that many people won’t forget. Whenever a young, well respected, and famous person dies, the world reacts. And they should Death is a painful shock to our souls. But why do we react with such fervency? Because it's a reminder. In fact, I believe there are 5 reminders that come from untimely death.

Death is inevitable. It doesn’t matter who are you, what you do, where you live, or when you live, we will all die. We may get face lifts to look younger. We can workout to tighten up bodies. We can eat vegan or as much meat as the world offers, we are all going to die. Period.

We are powerless over death. This is what James reminds us of in James 1:9-11: “Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, ¹⁰ and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. ¹¹ For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also, will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.”  It doesn’t matter how much money you have in your bank account. It doesn’t matter what your job title is. It doesn’t matter who you know. We all will die, no matter how talents, reputation, or treasures.

No life is more valuable. Genesis 1 says that “So God made man in His own image” (1:27). All humans, no matter how big or small are valuable. All humans whether 1 day of gestation in the womb or 121 years in the nursing home bed are valuable. All humans whether a professional basketball player or a special needs child in a home are valuable.

Age is irrelevant.  Billy Joel sang, “Only the good die young.” Well, Billy was wrong. Age is irrelevant. Babies die. Teenagers die. Young professionals die. The old die. Death is no respecter of age. “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” Heb 9:27. That verse reminds us that there really is no “untimely” death. We all are appointed our life and death. That’s why the final reminder is so important.

We should be prepared. I have no doubt that when Kobe and the 8 others on board that helicopter, they thought their future was guaranteed. However, tomorrow is not promised to anyone. We all need to be prepared. That means 1) keeping short accounts of the relationships around you. Say your “I love you’s” often. Forgive freely. It’s not worth holding back your love, respect, or kindness. And 2) let your soul be at peace with God. Philosopher Blaise Pascal said that if God exists, it’s better to wager on God because the reward is infinite.

But you can’t just “bet on God.” You must know God. But how?

But Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the father but through me” (John 14:6). This, according to Jesus, is the only way to achieve peace with God.

I would challenge you, read Ephesians 2:1-10 and ask yourself, where are you in relationship with God? Are you His enemy or His friend? Do you know Him, or do you know of Him or do you even know who He really is? If God exists, and if Jesus is right, receive His gift so death contains no sting and no victory (1 Cor. 15:55-57).

Not sure if God exists, consider these arguments as you wonder: Scientific & Moralistic Evidence.