Everybody has lost somebody. Some have lost family and others have lost friends. Some have lost many of both. As a minister I occasionally hear the inevitable question, "why?" Perhaps you have asked that question or others upon losing a friend or loved one. "Why" is indeed the unanswerable question when it comes to this issue. Most likely we will never know why other than the obvious biological reasons, but that does not answer the question in our heart as it grieves for the one who has moved on.
Although "why" may never be answered to our satisfaction, I would like to propose that we look outside of our own pain and ask a new question, "what good is death?". I don't mean this question in an earthly way. Let's elevate our thoughts on this proposal. What purpose could a death serve to us and others? Could the death of a loved one serve a higher purpose? There is the physical aspect of transplants which is always good, but what about the spiritual? I believe it can.
Since I began in Ministry in 2005, I have noticed a phenomenon with this part of our lives. I have had the privilege of conducting the services of numerous departed. In those services, there are always the "saved" as well as the "unsaved". As part of the funeral service, most ministers, including myself, don't only tell of the fond memories of the departed. Most, along with the memories, give the gospel and an invitation to trust in Christ for salvation. I can think of two occasions where at the end of the message during the time of reflection or altar call, there were those who prayed and received eternal life because of the death of the loved one. I am sure this happens all the time. Perhaps you or somebody you know has been introduced to Jesus in this way.
Christ gave his life so that all who would dare to believe in him would be born again into that life which lasts forever. Perhaps, at least in part, the death of our friends and loved ones is a way of participating in the death of Christ in that their sacrifice is another opportunity for those who need to hear the Gospel and to be introduced to the Living Christ, who normally would not, now have the opportunity. If there is any comfort to be had concerning the death of loved ones, let it be that their passing was not in vain. There are those who need to hear the gospel and our loved ones final act was to provide that opportunity.
For all those who have lost loved ones, be at peace.
