Of Hokies, Tennesseans, and a Galilean

A reflection on the tragedy at Virgina Tech April 16, 2007. Originally written to a group of friends from DYA, this essay was actually published in the journal Vital Theology.

Jesus wasn’t kidding.

PDF–Page 9

Of Hokies, Tennesseans, and a Galilean

Jesus wasn’t kidding.

We have seen over the last few days the tragedy at Virginia Tech—the loss of 33 lives, the physical injury of scores of professors and students, and the mental, emotional, and spiritual turmoil of an entire university and, increasingly, an entire nation.

And today, I heard from a dear friend in Tennessee about an illness in her own family. I can only imagine how painful it must be to have a parent in the hospital, and how much more painful it must be not to know what’s wrong.

Jesus said that in this world, we would have trouble (John 16:33). And we need only to look at the events of the last few days to see that he could not be more right.

Although Good Friday has come and gone, I am still reminded of what the Prophet called Christ—a man of sorrows, familiar with suffering.

And I remember that Jesus knew pain and suffering and grief firsthand. Even more, I remember that he knew of his fate before he ever stepped a foot in Gethsemane.

But he did not stop there—either in the garden, or in the 16^th chapter of John.

He continued on: he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! But death could not and can not hold him, and the empty tomb cries “Death: where is your victory? where is your sting?”

He continued on: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

And as I sit here tonight in sadness, wondering why, uncertain, and tired, that is where I wind up.

I remember that the poor in spirit will inherit the kingdom of God; that those who mourn will be comforted; and that pure in heart will see God, yet I feel I need more.

And I receive more—a love which is stronger than my fear, a love which conquered death, and a love which knows no bounds.

As we live through days like this, all I can think to do is trust the One who loves us more than we could ever ask or imagine, and take comfort in the fact that He will wipe every tear from our eyes and that one day there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.

So let us pray: for the Virginia Tech community, for our own communities, and for all those who work, or watch, or weep this night.

And take heart my brothers and sisters, because even though we will have trouble, we also have a Savior who has overcome the world.

Jesus wasn’t kidding.