In his final years, I got to see Tim Keller (1950-2023) through the eyes of family and friends who knew him almost his entire life, even before he became a Christian in 1970. Through writing about him, I got to know Tim not merely as a distant hero but as a personal friend who helped me love Jesus. When Tim and I catch up someday in the new heavens and the new earth, I can’t wait to hear all he’s learned about our Savior.

For now, Tim’s death leaves a void I can never fill. I’ll miss his encouragement. I’ll miss his teaching. I’ll miss the books he never got to write. I’ll miss his friendship, the long conversations about anything and everything in ministry.

I am far from the only one deeply shaped by Tim’s life and legacy. The outpouring of tributes and social media appreciations over the last few days has made that clear. Through books, articles, sermons, and church-planting ministry, God used Tim to reach millions. The full extent of his legacy won’t be known for years. For many in my generation, even if they only grew up listening to his sermons or reading his books, Tim Keller became a spiritual father.

I’m sad for us that he’s gone. But I can’t be sad for Tim. Now, he sees his Savior face to face.