“There may yet be a greater good to come through his death.”
That may seem like a strange, even abrasive, sentiment coming from a dad who just learned his son is going to die. But as I read those words today I believe them with all my heart.
Death is horrific.
Death is tragic.
Death is excruciating.
But I believe this father’s words because I have lived them.
See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 2 Cor. 7:11
Last night, I sat at the feet of a man who wept as he shared the gospel message with our church. As he wept, so did I. I wept because my son’s death and his salvation are intricately woven together. His heart for Jesus was ignited by my son.
I wept because my heart is fuller, my trust is deeper, my connection to God is tangible. I wept because I believed Azaiah’s death was worth that moment.
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.” John 12:24
So yes, I believe that greater good came, not only from Azaiah’s life, but also his death. And I believe it will for this man too. Whatever your sorrow is today, trust this, a greater good is coming.
