A superstar dies without finding inner peace
The shooting star was 28 years old. When he departed this life in Muscat on 20th April the world did not need to ponder the reasons for his suicide for any length of time. Two days ago his family published an open letter from which I quote: “He wrestled with thoughts about the meaning of it all, life and fortune. He lacked the strength to continue. He wanted to find peace!”
Indescribable stardom, bulging bank accounts, young age and admired by millions. After his death the church bells in the Netherlands played his songs.
At 22 years of age he suffered his first massive crash. A pancreatitis, caused by alcohol, brought Avicii, a.k.a. Tim Bergling to the edge of his life.
His end reminded me of one of my patients I treated in Ecuador back in 2003 before we moved to Peru. The 18-year-old, also suffering from acute pancreatitis, lay dying in the intensive care unit of our Hospital Vozandes del Oriente. A short, messed-up life crammed with parties, alcohol and lots of sex with prostitutes.
Our hospital counsellor Luz Penafiel spoke with this young man about the meaning of Jesus’ death on the cross. Jesus himself died for the sins of the whole world – he was quoting verses from Isaiah 53. The person who trusts in him will pass from death into eternal life. That is the Christian hope in a nutshell.
The young man in his patient bed drifted in and out of consciousness. Finally he came to and stammered: “Luz I am just returning from an amazing party!”
“From which party?” asked our colleague. “From an amazing party that is taking place in heaven!”
Two days later the 18 year-old died. A couple of hours before his death, though, he had found peace with God. And now he is truly taking part in a wonderful party that is taking place in God’s presence./KDJ
