TOGETHER: The important thing is to come to God

Posted: 11/04/05

TOGETHER:
The important thing is to come to God

The hearts of people across the nation have gone out to University Baptist Church in Waco and, especially, to the young family of Pastor Kyle Lake. Several calls came to me Sunday afternoon with painful messages about the death of this gifted minister as he was preparing to baptize a new believer. Surrounded by a loving congregation, the pastor was about to participate in one of the most joyous acts of worship any pastor gets to do–baptize a new disciple of Jesus Christ.

But he would not be able to finish the service. Something went wrong. He died, apparently from an electrical shock. Doctors from the congregation sought to help. Everyone prayed. But he is gone from us, and it is too soon for us.

Executive Director BGCT Executive Board

Every pastor knows the joy of baptizing a believer. Few things we do are more fulfilling and significant. The potential of what God will do in this new disciple's life, the joy in the smile of the one being baptized, the celebration that another soul has discovered how much God loves them, the relief that comes when sins are forgiven.

Every baptism is a moving illustration of the work of Christ and the transformation that has occurred in the life of a new believer. Jesus' death and resurrection are memorialized in baptism. The believer's death to the old life and birth to new life in Christ are portrayed in baptism. The great eschatological hope of the church is powerfully dramatized in baptism. We do not tremble in fear of dying because in Jesus Christ, though we die, yet shall we live. (See Romans 6:1-14).

In heart-wrenching moments like these, we look for a safe place to stand and a sturdy place to rest. People who love us can help. The assurance that God loves us and wants good for us in the midst of such stark pain and loss undergirds us. The knowledge that the pastor was faithfully serving his Lord in the very moment of death somehow comforts us. The realities of heaven, where the Father embraces his children, and the realization that eternal life is now a promise fulfilled become more real to us.

The answer we do not have is why something like this happens. Studies will be made to try to ascertain why there was a dangerous electrical charge in the baptistry. Precautions will be identified and taken to prevent this from happening in other places. But still we don't know why someone who is serving God and people with such devotion and love is taken too soon from us.

When I need the answer to “why” questions, I begin to realize that even if I knew God's purpose and timing, it would not change my grief. In moments of deep brokenness, what I need is his presence, not his answers. Later on, I may be able to see some signs of why, perceive some reason for my loss, but right now, it hurts too bad. And since no one can change it, please just be present with me. Understanding is always valuable, but sometimes, quiet presence is all we can hope for.

Martin Marty has reminded us that there are summer Psalms filled with delight and praise. And there are wintry Psalms filled with pain, accusation and loneliness. The people of God have known for a long time that sometimes we come to God with joy and gladness and sometimes we come with anger and desperate questions. The important thing for us all is that we come.

We are loved. Truly we are.

Charles Wade is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.