I was struck with sadness when I learned of Tim Russert's recent death. I had recently become a viewer of Tim's "Meet the Press" show on Sunday mornings as we prepared ourselves for church.
After viewing a few months of his programs, I found myself drawn to his passion for life, family and his obvious love of the political process. His personality was contagious and I feel loss, as I was just getting to know him. For the few months that Tim Russert was in my life, he left a very favorable and lasting impression.
As I listened to the news of Tim's death, I immediately felt shock and my thoughts quickly went to his family. "How are they handling this sudden death", I wondered. Then, interestingly enough, I found myself wondering if Tim was in the presence of Christ. What must that be like?
I am aware of Tim's lifelong relationship with the Catholic Church. I am further aware that some would contend that because he was Catholic, he isn't in heaven, and at the other extreme most Americans believe that we are all going to heaven.
Well, my contention is, who am I to judge. Only Tim Russert and Jesus Christ know of the relationship they held with one another. My hope and prayer is that he is safely in the arms of Jesus and that is all I have to say about that.
But...Tim's death does force a question upon all of us. What is really going to happen when we die?
It occurs to me that most, in our postmodern society, have spent precious little time on this most critical of questions. It seems that many hold the belief that because they are "good" they are assured a seat in heaven's community.
Isn't that, however, the most arrogant of positions to hold? Are we to presume that God is building his heavenly family around what you or I think?
It seems to me that if we really do hold a belief in God, then perhaps we ought to crack the pages of the Bible and see what God has to say about the matter. For in truth (hmm..there is that despised world of this relativistic society) God is very clear about who will be spending eternity with Him.
John 14:6, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Let us all take stock in our lives and go to the Creator to find our course after death. Do not lean upon your own understanding, but go to God's holy written word and seek to find what God has to say in the matter.
I will miss you Tim Russert. I feel sadness that I didn't have you in my life earlier. Your life's testament is clearly portrayed in the outpouring of millions of your fans. I pray for the comfort of your family and I hope that perhaps you can create a heavenly show called, "Meet the Savior". That, my friend, would be big!
