This evening, while watching the news, I saw the sad story of Angels’ baseball pitcher, Nick Adenhart, dying tragically in a car crash. You can read an article about it by clicking this link.
A quick synopsis…
This young man was a mere 22 years old. Last night, he pitched the game of his life after starting only four times in the majors. Big stuff, I tell you. After the game, he was out with friends when the car he was riding in was hit by another vehicle. He later died during surgery.
Another young life, cut down in its prime. I felt great sadness.
Adenhart’s manager was interviewed, and he said that the one thing that brought him the most comfort was the fact that this young man died after achieving his life’s goal…to become a major league baseball player.
That statement saddened me for some reason.
That someone would find solace in what a person had accomplished just makes me sad.
Whenever I find out that someone has passed away, one of the first things I think about (aside from sympathy for the family and friends left behind) is if the person had a relationship with God…did that person repent of their sins?
When I hear of a Christian brother or sister’s passing, I find solace in that knowledge…that they are safe within God’s loving arms.
I did not find such comfort at the passing of my dad. Sure, he was a wonderful man…very generous, funny, and knowledgeable.
BUT (capital letters intended), I had a profound sadness that I did not know the state of his soul. I’m pretty sure that he rejected God. He had accused the church of being a cult during some of our last conversations.
I wonder why Im feeling so emotional about this particular young man’s passing? It’s probably because I’ve been listening to The Way of the Master and, lately, been reading The School of Biblical Evangelism, a book written by the founders of the ministry. You’ve seen some of the clips I’ve posted here. The ministry espouses using the Law (i.e. the 10 Commandments) to bring a person to an awareness of his sinful nature, impending judgment, and redeeming work of the Savior.
I can’t help but ask the following questions…
Did anyone present the Law and then God’s grace to this baseball player? Did anyone witness to my dad? How many opportunities did I and do I miss every day?
It is a responsibility that Christians must take seriously so that, when we hear of a passing, we can find solace in the eternal heights attained by the person, not the earthly (and temporary).
Filed under: Christian | Tagged: Christianity, Los Angeles Angels, Nick Adenhart, repentence, salvation, School of Biblical Evangelism, way of the master | 2 Comments »
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