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What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. - Luke 7:26 NRSV
The death of Billy Graham last week closed one of the great eras in the history of our world. Rev. Graham preached the gospel message of Jesus Christ around the world to more than 200,000,000 people during his lifetime. His influence was felt for two generations and continues to spill over into the 21st century. Reporters, politicians, and statesmen around the world struggle to find words to adequately describe Dr. Graham's impact. I could not help but think of Jesus' statement about John the Baptist in Luke as I thought about Billy Graham's passing. Jesus and John were intimately connected through family and faith. John's mother, Elizabeth, was described as a "relative" of Mary in Luke 1:36. Given the age difference, I like to think of Elizabeth as the loving, kindly aunt of Mary who sheltered and consoled her in the days after Gabriel's visit. Through the simple story of Mary's visit to Elizabeth, Luke connected Jesus and John as relatives and also companions in the plan of God. Jesus' statement that John was " . . . and more than a prophet" suggests that Jesus was remembered John as someone whose character and nature were worthy of study and imitation. Billy Graham was a prophet and more. He was a counselor to presidents, a pastor to pastors, a father, a husband and a man of integrity. But Dr. Graham was also an inspiration to me. When I was about eight-years-old I met Billy Graham at the tiny Corbin-London airport where a plane carrying him somewhere stopped for fuel and a rest. My father employed a man who was a bi-vocational preacher and he had somehow learned that Graham's plane would be stopping and asked my dad if he would go with him to try to meet the evangelist. Dad took me and my brother and when we arrived at the airport Dr. Graham received us with a smile genuine graciousness as though he had expected us. I don't remember anything he said, really. I just remember the smile, his hand on my shoulder and that he gave me an autograph. My lasting impression was of a man who enjoyed meeting people and sharing moments of joy with them. In his presence strangers became friends almost immediately. That attitude is one that I have tried to carry with me in my ministry. I trust that I have been successful in some small measure. On March 18, my ministry as your pastor will come to a close. These 8+ years have been wonderful and fulfilling in many ways. Your love, encouragement, patience and fellowship provided many blessings to Gayle and myself, particularly since 2011 when her cancer re-asserted itself. Thank you for letting us know that our lives matter. We will always love you and pray for you and be ready to help you in service to the kingdom in any way we are able. Dr. Phil |
