- Duke Jeyaraj
“Former President Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, a popular head of state between 2002 and 2007, died on Monday after he collapsed during a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management at around 6.30pm on 27 July 2015.” (telegraphindia.com). The 84-year old former president died doing what he loved to do: communicating key life-truths with students. “He was one of the most motivational teachers in the country who passed away doing what he loved,” said another paper.
The World was deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Steve was beloved by millions of fans and animal lovers around the world and was one of our planet's most passionate conservationists. He has graced Animal Planet's air since October 1996 and was essential in building Animal Planet into a global brand. Steve was killed during a filming expedition for Animal Planet on the Great Barrier Reef. While we are still collecting specific details, it appears that this was a rare accident in which Steve swam over a stingray and was stung by its barb in his chest. A doctor on board Croc One, Steve's research vessel, was unable to resuscitate Steve, and by the time a rescue helicopter reached him, he had died. And when he died we did not shed "crocodile tears" as one news magazine journalist put it. ( Coutesy: http://animal.discovery.com/).
Very few people die while doing what they love. And Steve Irwin did just that. His death reminded me of how some of the heroes of the Bible died - doing what they loved doing.
Uriah, the faithful Soldier in the army of King David, was fighting for his king - something he loved to do - when he died (II Sam 11:17). In fact he loved to fight for his king that even when his king pulled him out from fighting, gave him permission to go home, he did not want to return to his home to relax!
When Jesus died he kept doing what he always loved - forgiving people. During his ministry He mouthed these words: "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven," (Math 9:2). Those were word spoken to the paralytic who was pushed thro the roof of a crowded room). He told an immoral woman who was sobbing uncontrollably in his presence, "Your sins are forgiven." (Luke 7:48). And when he was dying he was still doing what he loved to do - forgiving people. Who can forget his glorious and gracious words, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," which was graciously spoken to his tormentors (Luke 23:24).
When Paul died he was doing what he loved to do - studying the Scriptures. This student of Gamaliel, one of the best Old Testament teachers alive then, made this request to Timothy his young ward: "When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments." (II Tim 4:13). Here he was in prison waiting for execution. And what he wanted to do before he died was to read from the Holy Scriptures.
What would you be doing when it’s time to go? And that time can come to any one of us at anytime! So, let’s be ready by remaining in Christ who died for us on the Cross (John 15).
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