Death comes for us all. But its timing is unpredictable. Some die peacefully in their sleep at a ripe old age, while others suffer years of declining health beforehand. And the young are not spared either, sometimes dying within days of their birth, or perhaps some tragedy cuts their time in this world short while they’re still in the prime of life. Whatever the case, it’s natural to wonder why some suffer while others do not, or why some live long lives while others barely make it past the spring of life. Even still, like Peter, we must not forget the call that remains.
While Jesus was having breakfast with his disciples after his resurrection, he shared with Peter what kind of death he would glorify God – namely that he would grow old and people would eventually take him where he didn’t want to go. Peter then asked about John, essentially wanting to know what sort of death he will have. But Jesus replied in effect that regardless of God’s will in John’s story, Peter was to remain focused and faithful in following Christ himself. And there’s wisdom here for us as well.
On the one hand, we might be wrestling with questions when death comes for a loved one. Why did things have to play out this way? Or why do others get a different experience? We might also wonder what our day of death might look like. Will it come suddenly like a thief in the night? Or will we welcome it peacefully knowing we’ve completed the work God has given us to do?
While such questions are natural, we must remember Jesus’ words to Peter. Each will have his own story, including the manner in which his death will glorify God. And it’s not up to us to understand or try to explain what God is up to in each situation. Our task, like Peter’s, is to remember the call that remains as we continue to follow Christ.
In the end, grieve and wrestle with the many questions death brings. And stay focused on the call that remains for you as your life continues – following Jesus regardless of how things are worked out for others.
