The story preempted all other news of the day. Coverage of natural and man-made disasters, the upcoming national election, the spread of the deadly Chinese virus and even the Presidential impeachment battle were put on hold for uninterrupted coverage when Kobe Bryant died in the crash of his private helicopter. Celebrities and world leaders made touching comments about this unbelievable tragedy. The loss of the sports icon was so shocking that it was hours before they mentioned that his daughter had also died in the crash. Much later they identified another six people who died in the crash, including three members of one family.
Who was this man who made the world stop and take notice when they heard of his passing? Did he discover the cure for cancer; end poverty and world hunger, or was he the key to world peace? No, he was a professional basketball player, whose ability and drive made him unbelievably wealthy and famous. Maybe he was an example for our kids to follow? Not really. He was a flawed human being, who failed just like the rest of us. They said he was a really nice guy and had turned his life around after a very public personal failure. In fact he and his daughter had attended Church, shortly before their fateful flight.
Let me be clear, the death of Kobe Bryant was a great loss because he is precious in GOD’s sight (Psa 16:115 KJV) and should be in ours. However, his death is really no more or less important than any other person who died that day. Did you know that 81 people have died so far from the virus in China? Sadly, more will die before the virus is contained. What about the Sailor and 30 Marines who died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan? They didn’t own the helicopter they died in and didn’t have millions to leave behind to take care of their families, but they volunteered to defend our nation. Their deaths may have gotten more attention if Kobe hadn’t died on the same day, but their loss is no less tragic. By the way, 150,000 other people died on that day, but you didn’t hear about them either.
All of those who died on that day, and on every other day, will face eternity with the decisions they made while they were still alive. GOD did His part and “gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). JESUS “humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Phil 2:8 KJV) and we must accept that sacrifice to pay for our sins “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23 KJV). Yes we have different roles to play here in this life, but we are treated equally when we die. Each one of us are either saved or lost when we die and will spend an eternity in either Heaven or Hell. Accept JESUS as your Savior and your star will never fall.
Wayne Lance (2020)