Pastor Pusch

Background: Yesterday Joseph Jackson Jr., stood before the TN General Sessions Court for a preliminary hearing regarding the events that took place during a routine traffic stop on June 25. Sergeant Mark Chestnut pulled over Jackson after spotting passenger Courtney Logan not wearing a seatbelt. When Officer Chestnut returned to his car, Jackson opened fire, hitting Sergeant Chestnut five times. Come to find out later, Jackson was a prison escapee out of Mississippi.

Sergeant Chestnut is currently recovering in a local rehabilitation center.

My Issue: As several police officers made a strong appearance at the preliminary hearing, Chief of Police, Serpas, was most outspoken. “They’re in deep trouble and I hope they go to prison for their natural l life on earth and then after their life on earth, I hope they go to prison in hell.”

While I understand the emotions and feelings of disgust coming from Chief Serpas, I really took issue with his final statement, “I hope they go to prison in hell.” We’ve all heard that saying, “I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.” That saying would apply here. I cringe when I hear things like this or when someone says to someone else, “you can burn in hell“, “I hope you rot in hell“, or “go to hell.” Whatever your concept of Hell might be, the fact is that Hell is an eternal separation from God. It is true, Jackson needs to be punished for his actions. If that life in prison, so be it. However, I hope that through the process, he discovers his greatest need and that is a relationship with Christ.

Hell is an eternal separation from God.  I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy’, but I tell you: Love your enemies…” Matthew 5:43-44

“Some things are too sacred to joke about.” – Dr. Robert E. Woodard

“You can tell a lot about a man’s character by what makes them laugh and what makes them cry” – Dr. Robert E. Woodard

The first time I heard the above quotations was about 10 years ago when I began my college experience. While I’m sure I haven’t always lived up to the principles found in those two statements, I haven’t forgotten his impression. I do think there is a lot to be said as they are great words to live by. Dr. Woodard, though a tough professor, was a great encourager and had a heart of gold. I am thankful for the relationship I have with him.

Death would be one of those issues Dr. Woodard would have placed into the sacred category. Death is not just the termination of life here on earth, but it is a beginning of eternity in one of two destinations. Anytime we attend a funeral or learn of somebody dying (celebrity or not), it ought to be a sobering thought.

Surely if you have any sense of awareness of what’s happening in the world around you, you are then well aware of the iconic deaths that have taken place in recent days. Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, and Billy Mays all have stepped out into eternity over the last 3-4 days. Where they are, I do not know, however, I do know that Christ was the only avenue into the Father’s paradise for them; I hope they made that discovery.

Making Fun of Death – It took only a few minutes after the pronouncement of death for the jokes to begin circulating concerning the deaths of Billy Mays, Ed McMahon, and especially Michael Jackson (mostly coming from friends who heard them first). In my humble opinion, I think it’s absurd. ”Some things are too sacred to joke about.”

Side Thought 1: While there is great rejoicing that takes place after the deaths of the most notorious evildoers a.k.a. Saddam Hussein or Adolf Hitler, it is still a sobering thought to know that these stood before their creator and all was revealed.

Side Thought 2: Thousands of people step out into eternity every day, notorious or not. That’s sobering or at least it should be.