It was a privilege to pay my respects today to Rev. Billy Graham at his childhood home on the grounds of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte. The simplicity of his casket and the floral cross of lilies spoke not only of his own personal humility but also the simplicity of the Gospel and the clarity with which he preached it so that all who heard could understand. 

As he aged and declined in health and was increasingly out of the public eye, it became possible (without perhaps watching replays of his preaching) to lose sight of what a dynamic messenger of God he was, particularly in his prime. Sadly, and almost unbelievably to those of us who knew his as a household name, there are some younger generations who have no clue who he was...perhaps until this week. 

As I drove home and reflected on the day, I not only praised God for calling Billy Graham for “such a time” as He did and for the tremendous impact he made while living, but also that, even in death, as the media once more highlights his life and ministry and calls worldwide attention to it, the Gospel message is reaching thousands more. I pray that those who hear and are searching will, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, come to a personal relationship with Jesus. 

Thank you, Rev. Graham, for your faithfulness to the mission God called you to. May we fellow believers realize that, although we will not likely be called to a mission or ministry of the same scope or scale as Billy Graham, God still has a purpose for each of us, and if we respond with the same willingness, availability, surrender, and obedience that Rev. Graham exemplified, God will be every bit as honored and glorified as He was by Rev. Graham, and He will use it for the building of His body and kingdom. 

My last reflection is a quote from one of Rev. Graham’s grandsons, who was recounting some of the observations he had made about his grandfather. This really spoke to my heart, and I desire to keep it in the forefront of my mind as I encounter and interact with others:  “He always saw the person in front of him as the one God had given him to love and care for.”  

Thanks again Rev. Graham, good and faithful servant, for a life well lived.