SHOULD WE CONSIDER DEATH OF A CHRISTIAN TO BE SAD?

Ralph Carmichael, 1927-2021

Okay, sometimes my reaction is a little bit delayed. It was almost six months ago that Christian composer/conducter Ralph Carmichael went home to be with the Lord. So hope my comments are still relevant. And it's not as much about Carmichael and his passing as it is seeing a few people call the event sad.

I had the honor of hearing him at Knott's Berry Farm. Dony and Reba McGuire hosted a live presentation of their album "The Lord's Prayer," which included Cynthia Clawson, B. J. Thomas, the Archers, and an orchestra conducted by Carmichael. I've also enjoyed some of his songs such as "He's Everything To Me" and "Love Is Surrender."

But when did that happen? 1981. Four years later, I believe he conducted the choir when Steve Camp recorded the song "Do Something Now" which was the Christian equivalent of "We Are The World." That was the last I heard of him in that context. The truth is that he didn't have much of an impact on my life.

Now, I'm sure his passing was a sad event for his family and friends as anybody's passing. But why would it be sadder than anybody else's life. Besides, he was 94! Shouldn't we consider him leaving this planet with COVID making a mess of things, a culture that is at war with God, and with a madman in Russia plotting the destruction of a neighboring country just because he can something to rejoice about, as well as rejoicing in his ministry?

I felt that way seven years ago when Andre Crouch was on his deathbed. The singer Carman, who was positively influenced personally by Andre, was asking for prayer for Andre's recovery, stating that he was only 72 and people had productive years after that. Maybe it was just me, but that hit me the wrong way. 

First, it implied a desire for Andre to stay. But again, wasn't it better for Andre to be with Jesus than here? Second, Gospel pianist Anthony Berger was called to his eternal award when he was 45. Was there something wrong with him leaving sooner? 

Let me add a thought. Is it death that's sad? Or is it really sin? After all, death is the consequence of sin. If there had not been sin, there would not have been death.  In eternity, we will be removed from the presence of sin, and as a result there would be no death.

Okay, maybe this is just my rambling. But maybe we should be thankful for the brief life we have, of the short time others can bless us and we can bless them. And maybe we should echo what the Psalmist said in Psalm 116:15 - "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints."