A young Taylor University student, Josh Larkin, died last night in his dorm. It was reported that his death was an accidental death, and the campus held a prayer service that night to mourn his passing. He was heavily involved in campus organizations and ministries. Therefore, many students were affected by the loss.
Everyone grieves in their own way. At the late night prayer service, there were students who weren't ashamed to cry. There were students who comforted the mourners with prayers and words of encouragement. There were students who could not overcome the shock. There were students who wrestled with disappointment and anger. When I confronted his death, I rejoiced with my brother.
I approach death differently than most. I won't say my approach is better or more holy. I just know it is different than most of my friends. Death is inevitable. It isn't something that should shock us. It isn't something that should be feared. It isn't even something that should defeat us or make us feel hopeless or betrayed. It is a natural occurrence that happens to everyone, young or old.
I encountered Josh only a few times. He led chapel worship. He was an extravagant worshiper who loved Father God. Now Josh is worshiping Him face to face. What a spectacular Easter surprise.
I can't help but imagine all the wonders he is encountering right now. He is gaining new insights. He is seeing who he really is in Christ. It is a marvelous event to enter eternity through the quick portal of death. These momentary light afflictions are NOTHING compared to the glory that will be revealed in us.
I admit I feel out of step on campus. While most of the community is mourning, crying, and grieving, I want to celebrate. I want to delight in the fact that Josh is bathing in glory beyond our comprehension. Death hasn't defeated us! Death can't make us powerless and weak! Death is swallowed up! That is the Easter message. Resurrection is our eternal hope. It is Josh's promise and that is glorious.
Everyone grieves in their own way. At the late night prayer service, there were students who weren't ashamed to cry. There were students who comforted the mourners with prayers and words of encouragement. There were students who could not overcome the shock. There were students who wrestled with disappointment and anger. When I confronted his death, I rejoiced with my brother.
I approach death differently than most. I won't say my approach is better or more holy. I just know it is different than most of my friends. Death is inevitable. It isn't something that should shock us. It isn't something that should be feared. It isn't even something that should defeat us or make us feel hopeless or betrayed. It is a natural occurrence that happens to everyone, young or old.
I encountered Josh only a few times. He led chapel worship. He was an extravagant worshiper who loved Father God. Now Josh is worshiping Him face to face. What a spectacular Easter surprise.
I can't help but imagine all the wonders he is encountering right now. He is gaining new insights. He is seeing who he really is in Christ. It is a marvelous event to enter eternity through the quick portal of death. These momentary light afflictions are NOTHING compared to the glory that will be revealed in us.
I admit I feel out of step on campus. While most of the community is mourning, crying, and grieving, I want to celebrate. I want to delight in the fact that Josh is bathing in glory beyond our comprehension. Death hasn't defeated us! Death can't make us powerless and weak! Death is swallowed up! That is the Easter message. Resurrection is our eternal hope. It is Josh's promise and that is glorious.
3 comments:
I think that a lot of what you say is good and true, and very encouraging :) However I also think that there is room, and need, for grief. Not for Josh, as you said, what a great Easter surprise for him :) but for his family, what a different Easter they will experience this year. The son who they loved and raised has unexpectedly left them. Yes he has gone to a better place, but there is an emptiness, there will be words that were never spoken, there will be hugs that were never given, and there will be guilt over things left unfinished. It is with his family that we weep. Of course there is comfort, eternal comfort, in that fact that Josh is with Jesus. And that is truly something to celebrate! For those of us left behind, it will take time to get used to empty places. To quote a very wise wizard "I will not say do not weep, for not all tears are evil." (Gandalf, LOTR) For his family it will take even longer to get used to, but while we weep, we do so with the knowledge and understanding that someday there will be no more tears :)
I wholeheartedly agree. "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15. I pray for the family. I hope they feel the support and love of the Taylor University community. This must be a very difficult time for them.
The number of people that were affected by this loss is unbelievable. This is something we can not handle on are own no matter what age you are. Philippians 4:15 says,I can do all things through Christ who gives my strength. I believe that we need God no matter what the circumstance. Whether He is helping us or He is just there. Is God there to make us feel better or is He there because we need Him?
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