"A Wasted Death?"

 

“A Wasted Death?”

 

In February 1964 Ken Hubbs, a promising 22-year-old second baseman for the Chicago Cubs and National League Rookie of the Year in 1962, died in a small plane crash in Utah. His death was devastating to his family, team, its fans and the entire baseball world. During that season the Cubs’ plane flew near the accident site and their manager is reported to have said, “What a waste!”

Perhaps you’ve looked at a tragic situation in which a life (or maybe multiple lives) was lost and you saw it as the Cubs’ manager did with his player. It may have been the result of “friendly fire” in the military, a senseless act of violence, a freak occurrence or another unexplainable incident. Several years ago while I was on call for hospital emergencies one Sunday afternoon I received a message that two school age girls were killed in a motorbike collision with a pick-up truck. As I always did, I prayed en route that God would help me deal with this heart wrenching event. When I arrived at the hospital I encountered about 30 grieving relatives and friends in the chapel. I introduced myself and God led me to say (to the best of my recollection), “I don’t have an explanation for what has happened this afternoon so I won’t try to give one. I’m here to listen, pray and try to bring comfort to you in some way.” I prayed for the group and over the next two hours heard many express their feelings. The “Why?” question in my mind was never answered but I took comfort in God’s words, “…My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways….” (Isaiah 55:8) as well as the 1891 hymn, “Some Time We’ll Understand”.

Even though Jesus was innocent of any wrongdoing (“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”—1 Peter 2:22 quoting from Isaiah 53:9) He died at the hands of those who hated Him. A wasted death? Absolutely not! “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2, emphasis added). But in effect it is wasted for those who reject Him and the hope He brings (“{The one} who has the Son has life; {the one} who does not have the Son does not have life.”—1 John 5:12). Christ’s death is sufficient to deal with everyone’s sin (“The same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,”—Romans 10:12, emphasis added). Have you called on Him for forgiveness, hope and true life? If not He’s available to respond to your prayer right now.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan