On January 29th of this year, Joey Kovar was
baptized in our church. Almost 7 months
later, at 29 years of age, he is gone. Having
received the news a few hours ago, I am sitting here a bit shocked and also deeply
saddened. As I read numerous comments on
the internet it is clear that many others are saddened, as well.
Joey had accepted Christ, been baptized, and had—for a time
at least—turned from some of the unhealthy and destructive pursuits that had
been a fairly well known part of his life.
In my conversations with Joey I came to believe that his experience with
God was absolutely genuine. I still
believe that’s the case.
So, what happened then?
Where is God in something like this?
God was with Joey.
And I believe that Joey is now with God.
I don’t say that lightly. I
realize it sounds like one of those unsatisfying “pat” answers that Christians
express at a time like this. Please
understand that I say God was with Joey and that Joey is now with God quite earnestly
and soberly, and after some reflection on the matter.
When we begin to walk with God, even though we have His
presence and His power available to us, we still have the capacity to make
choices. There is not a point—at least,
during this time on earth—where we do not have the ability to exercise our free
will.
I don’t know if the cause of Joey’s death has been
officially determined, yet, but his past is well known and there seem to be
indications from folks who know him that destructive choices may have been
involved.
We can always make choices.
It is part of what makes us human and, of course, it is part of what
makes us fallible. With God’s help, we
are actually empowered to make good, positive, life-enhancing, healthy
choices. However, the possibility always
remains for us to make unhealthy choices.
I do not mean to reduce Joey’s life to a moral illustration
for us. His life is far more than
that. He is a human being who was knit
together in his mother’s womb by a loving God.
He is a precious soul for whom Jesus died. He is a person of value, worth and dignity
because he was created, like you and I, in the image of Almighty God. Every life that has ever been lived is far
more than simply material for crafting moral lessons.
But whenever we grieve the loss of a young life, we
inevitably wonder. Our minds search for
answers and meanings. We try to make
sense of things which are sometimes seemingly quite senseless. And, so, the questions come, along with our
attempts at answers.
Of course, we’ll never have all the answers to some of those
deep and profound questions on this side of eternity but there is comfort and
help in the truth that we can walk closely with the One who does know.
Joey walked with Him. There were struggles, but the relationship
with God was real. And it continues to
be real, right now. I’m eternally grateful for that reality.
My love and prayers go out to his family.
Dan Marler
