Eleven years ago today, on October 29, 2009, we lost nine heroes in a tragic night midair collision between a Coast Guard C-130 rescue aircraft and a Marine Corps AH-1 combat training helicopter off the coast of Southern California. The lives of many people I know and love changed forever that evening.
John 14:3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.
A year after the tragedy, I traveled on a well-appointed command and control jet with Coast Guard colleagues to visit the several families of those lost. Stopping in the U.S. Northeast, we went to one warm family home that connected with me deeply.
Our briefing team included an Admiral, his wife, an aide, Chaplain, and myself. During our meeting, the young crewman’s family told us about their son and brother whom they had loved. We ate cake, laughed, and cried with them. A few years later the mom reached out to me, asking to receive a recording of her son’s voice. The data was protected by the military investigation process; however, over the course of several months, I worked through the steps and gained approval to grant the request.
We may die, but we’re not gone forever
At the conclusion of our meeting, I hugged and thanked the mom for her patience, grace, and empathy. My arms around her, I felt God’s presence, as if I was hugging her for their son. Few times in my life have events touched my soul like losing seven shipmates on Coast Guard Rescue 1705 and two brave Marines. But God’s plans and destiny are not only about our temporal earthly life. We may die, but we’re not gone forever.
With Jesus, we have an eternal home and future with God in paradise. Before Moses died, he gave a blessing to each of the twelve tribes of Israel, including Jeshurun: “There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in His majesty. The eternal God is your dwelling place” (Deuteronomy 33:26-27a). During your time on earth, receive His Majesty’s blessing of redeeming life in Christ.
Psalm 31:5. Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
Connect: Draw near and listen to God. How is He speaking to You about your eternal home?
Grow: Discuss today’s theme with someone you love and trust. Do you connect with the idea that you are created for an eternal purpose? How can you make your life matter now? What story can you tell or prayer could you pray to encourage or bless someone else?
Live: Where will you go, what will you do, who will you serve? How will you live today?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I abide in Your eternal presence as my dwelling place. Thank You, Lord, for Your promise of redemption; and in Christ, build our faith for more than only a temporal life on earth. Prepare a place for us, and we look to You to provide us with grace today and hope for tomorrow. To Your honor and glory, I’m grateful to have served in the military. For those families who lost those they loved, would You grant the peace and comfort that only You can provide, Lord? In Jesus’ name, Amen.
By permission from:
Why God? 40-Day Devotional
Mitchell Morrison
(C) 2020