Thinking of Van

I can't imagine what Van Nguyen must have been going through in the days and hours leading up to his execution. It's quite surreal to know that while I was on my way to work, a young man only two years younger than me lost his life... and not by accident.

Thankfully, I heard that he had come to faith in Christ sometime during his incarceration and was at peace with God. I read on smh.com.au this morning that he wrote in a letter, "I have begun to learn the true meaning of life... In a place ravaged by fear and haunts I have found hope. I have discovered purpose."

Wow. A guy who knew he would be dead in a matter of days speaking of purpose. It doesn't seem to make sense: isn't purpose all about achievement and accomplishments? But look through the lens of Christian faith and it starts to make some sense. Rick Warren, in his book The Purpose-Driven Life, states that we are here to fulfill five purposes: to offer real worship, to enjoy real fellowship, to learn real discipleship, to practice real ministry, and to live out real evangelism. I get the feeling that Van fulfilled all those purposes behind bars to some degree, and the last one especially.

Van Nguyen has reminded many Australians of the brevity and sanctity of life, and pointed them to the One who gave him the courage to face death. "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:55)

God, in all His grace, has used tragic circumstances for good, and has just welcomed a son home.

I thank you, Jesus, that because of you and your embrace of the cross, death has no hold on us. Thank you that real life begins beyond the grave, with you.