Ted Williams died a month ago at age 83. Williams was best known for his exploits on the baseball field where, as a member of the Boston Red Sox, he became one of the greatest hitters in the history of the game. He was also remembered for his heroic service during World War II as a pilot who flew alongside John Glenn. On July 5 Williams heart quit beating. Since that day his body has yet to find a resting place amidst the swirl of legal controversy.

One daughter, numerous friends and a legal will contend that Williams wanted to be cremated with his ashes scattered over the Atlantic Ocean. Another child, John Henry Williams, argues that his father changed his mind in the waning months and desired to be frozen in time in hopes of later being revived. This is allegedly documented in a handwritten note signed by Williams while in the hospital.

Many of those in the know consider John Henry Williams to be a shameless opportunist, someone who has made a history of exploiting his dad's fame in various ways. They argue that the son has become an executor of his own will and not the will of his father. While the motives may be varied and the facts a little blurred, John Henry did give us a picture into his head with the words written on the note, "This is what we want, to be able to be together in the future, even if it is only a chance."

In another statement released to the public, John Henry says of his father, "His attitude was, 'If there is a chance that we can be reunited in the future, let's take it.''

These brief statements speak volumes. There is a wealth of metaphysics and theology packed into just a few words. The younger son is hoping in the god, Technology. Technology will supply new life through cryogenics. If the body can be kept in biostasis . . . if significant breakthroughs can occur in the next fifty to a hundred years . . . if the human genome project can reverse death . . . then our family can be together again.

The Christian gospel holds out a different hope for the future. No lawyers are needed. No high-tech lab work need be done. A fat bank account is unnecessary. We believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Because Jesus Christ was raised to new life, His dead body being raised to life on the third day, we also will be raised to new life. The historical resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is the first fruits. We, too, are part of God's harvest. When that time arrives, in other words, "when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "Death is swallowed up in victory. "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"

God will accomplish it. Jesus is the proof of it. We eagerly await it.

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