Princess Diana is Dead
I can remember just standing in the middle of the lounge room staring at the TV in disbelief.
Reference: v.13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. (TNIV Bible)
Explore: I remember exactly where I was when I first heard that Diana, Princess of Wales, had died.
It was 1997 and I was living in a tiny apartment on Melbourne’s east side with my mate, Andy. I had the TV on in the background and it suddenly caught my attention. A news report seemed to be saying that Princess Diana had been involved in a car accident.
Although I had never lived in England and I’d never met Diana, I was completely shocked at the news. I can remember just standing in the middle of the lounge room staring at the TV in disbelief.
It was not that I thought she was infallible, it’s just that I didn’t expect her to die at such a young age.
Application: Death is a reality for all of humanity, but it still shocks us to the core when it does happen.
When Jesus found out about John the Baptist’s death, it had a huge impact on him too. I don’t know how close these two men were, but it hit home so strongly that Jesus actually withdrew himself from the crowds of people.
When I read about Jesus’ reaction it reminds me how Jesus experienced our human emotions. At times, when I think of Christ, I think that Jesus was so untouchable that his emotions never overcame Him. But this was wrong on many occasions.
When John was killed Jesus was emotionally moved. He does understand what it’s like to lose someone; to never have them in your life again.
We all experience grief and loss at some time. It gives me comfort to know that Jesus understands how I feel.
Prayer: Lord, we don’t like experiencing the aching pain that comes with loss. May we be open to Your love and comfort during these times as you sympathize with us. Amen.
When have you experienced deep loss?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.