Eschatology and other things

Aaron Walters.

Devin Quick.

Two young men who died in their teens, I had to face their dea

ths in my own way in high school. They died about a year apart, and probably didn't even know each other. But they have both impacted my view of life... and death.

Aaron died four years ago today.

Aaron had the biggest impact. He taught me about races. And the race that I'm running right now.

Aaron ran cross-country through highschool. You can visit his xanga and see how much it was a part of his life. I didn't know him extremely well, but his death was a wake-up call for me. Also, I only had a few classes with Devin at Southland (homeschool co-op), but losing him was the aftershock of Aaron's homegoing. Life is not only fragile, it's very short.

This is the passage from Hebrews that was the most comforting to us, and was read aloud to the packed sanctuary at Emmanuel Baptist Church for Aaron's funeral.

Hebrews 12

¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Aaron got to the finish line faster than all of us. Was it because he was a cross-country runner? Was it because of the congenital heart failure? No, it was because he had fulfilled all that Christ had commanded him to do for his life.

Where does that leave me? Why am I still here?

I was in the bathroom... thinking. Best place to think. I'm sure you would agree. I asked myself, "Why am I not doing what Christ has commanded me to do, but doing what I want to do instead?" Classic example: last night. Instead of doing street evangelism with Ryan, I went to the park, to run around and enjoy the weather. Yes, it was fun, but I kinda felt bad. How long will I run away from Him?

If I have the cure for cancer, how could I be quiet about it?

I must finish the race. Do what I was created to do, the Great Comission, go out into the world and make disciples.

I'll see you at the finish line, Aaron.