“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 15:55-57
“No guilt in life, no fear in death. This is the power of Christ in me. From life’s first cry, to final breath. JESUS commands my destiny.” Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
Lord Jesus, in just a few hours I’ll sit with a dear friend, and we’ll plan his imminent funeral. With no fear, spin, or denial, he calmly told me last week, “Scotty, I’ll probably be in heaven before Easter.” In over a half of a century of ministry, Bill’s story, his marriage to Laurie, the tapestry of your grace in their lives… it’s been one of the kindest gifts you have given me. They have pastored me more than I have them.
Bill has been fighting a courageous battle with cancer, which you won, Jesus. Whether you had chosen to heal Bill instantly, or will bring him to yourself in a couple of weeks—or extend his stay here by months… you win because you won. Your death was the death of death, and your resurrection is the guarantee of ours. The gift of your pefect righteousness is the only garment we now care about wearing—as we begin this day, or if it should be our last. The Gospel of your grace is that true, good, and beautiful. Hallelujah!
It was sweet beyond measure to have had a ringside seat to watch you rescue both Bill and Laurie from grace-lite religion, performancism, “he loves me, he loves me not” spirituality. It was knee-buckling joyful, to have officiated their wedding. It will be a multiplied-tear day when we speak our temporary goodbye to Bill.
But Jesus, because you “command our destiny,” we are headed for an eternal Day of unspeakable joy, fulfilled stories, wiped tears, redeemed pain, and perfect everything. Indeed, “No guilt in life, no fear in death”… all because of you Jesus. Thank you and So Very Amen.