When I heard the news that the greatest preacher and evangelist, Billy Graham, passed away yesterday, my heart and my mind did not know what to feel. My initial reaction was to be heartbroken. My heart ached for his family and friends, knowing the pain that loss can bring. However, it did not take long for my attitude to change. Joy...so much joy. Billy Graham perfectly embodied Matthew 6:19-20: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Billy Graham is finally home, and I believe he has gained the greatest treasure. Simply imagining his homecoming, brought me to tears. Can you imagine all of the people who were there to greet him and celebrate? I can only imagine the party that happened in Heaven and how sweet it must have sounded when Jesus said, "Well done my good and faithful servant" and wow, do I long to hear those words one day.
Last night, I sat down on my bed and pulled up several articles about Billy Graham's life, and prayed that I would have the courage he had to share the gospel so boldly and faithfully. "Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened."
I want to have so much courage that it draws people in, and pushes them to share the gospel boldly. Because from a spark comes a flame, and from a flame a consuming fire.
One quote that really spoke volumes to me was this:
"I have read the last page of the Bible, it's all going to turn out all right."
I immediately turned to the last chapter of Revelation and began reading. It is said three times in this chapter, "Look, I am coming soon!" (verse 7, 12, 20) I asked myself, "If I knew that I would die tomorrow, how would I live today?" To which I answered, "I would tell everyone I came in contact with about the love and hope of Christ and I would be bold and I would this and I would that." But wait a minute, nobody knows the day or the hour...we are not promised tomorrow. So why is my answer different on any given day? Should I not be living each day as if it is my last? That wrecked me and changed my perspective forever.
“Knowing we will be with Christ forever far outweighs our burdens today! Keep your eyes on eternity!”-Billy Graham
Another thing that really spoke to me in Revelation 22 is in the very last verse. What is the very last thing Jesus speaks to us in the Word of God?
"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen."
Grace. The very last thing Jesus leaves us with and speaks to us is grace. So what is grace?
grace: the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings
Free. Unmerited. Not because we deserve it. Because He loves us and gave His life on a cross so that we can spend eternity worshipping Him in His presence. He died the death I deserve in order for me to come to salvation, and He bestows grace upon me. I've never heard a greater love story.
When I look at Billy Graham's life, I see a man who gave up everything for the sake of the gospel and His Kingdom. So what does that look like for me? Maybe God is calling me to stay right where I am and make Him known here. But what if God asked me to go to Africa, or New York City, or India, or wherever for the sake of the gospel? Would I believe in it's power and in God's divine authority enough to leave everything and go? I was once asked this question: "What if God called you to go somewhere and told you that you would only be able to proclaim the gospel once before you were put to death? Would you believe in the power of the gospel enough to still go?" This reminded me of a story I heard this summer at the NAMB and IMB Send Conference of a missionary named Karen Watson who gave up everything to follow God's calling. I strongly suggest you watch it, I promise it will wreck you.
https://vimeo.com/226917825
"My home is in Heaven. I am just passing through."
I want to live everyday knowing that this world is not my home. Not just a head knowledge, but a heart knowledge where my actions are affected and my life looks completely different. There is nothing that could ever happen to me on this earth that heaven cannot fix. What a beautiful day it will be when I finally meet my Savior face to face. Until then, let's make this earth look a little bit more like heaven.
Come, Lord Jesus.-Revelation 22:20
-Amy
