Changing of the Guard

His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
Matthew 25:23 NKJV

I'm sure you've heard or read - Reverend Billy Graham went Home today. I believe those are the words he heard, along with an exuberant "Welcome Home!"

I've read many of the reports from the news agencies. Even though all have had to acknowledge his faithfulness to the call God placed on his life - preaching Jesus and Him crucified for the salvation of our souls - some seem to wish they could find dirt to write. To those I have to ask, "Can you imagine living 99 years on this earth and more than 70 of those years in the public eye and hundreds (if not thousands) of news agencies around the world can only find two things on which to try to cast aspersions?"

Thousands of people have tweeted and messaged and posted and Googled (and whatever else they do) about Mr. Graham, but they have all expressed respect. Although USA Today wrote, "Graham was, however, drawn to power. Eventually, he met, prayed with, comforted and joked with 12 U.S. presidents." But then they also did say, "He found a fine balance that allowed him to become America's pastor, Democrat or Republican. North or South." If they had any understanding of Scripture, they would realize that the only power Billy Graham was "drawn to" was the power of the shed blood of Jesus Christ to change the hearts of men. Billy was simply a living illustration of Proverbs 18:15 NKJV, A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. What a legacy God has given him that even non-believers have to acknowledge his faithfulness to the salvation message!

It is a changing of the guard. Like Paul wrote to Timothy, we know that Billy Graham fought the good fight, he finished his race, and he kept the faith. And now there is a crown of righteousness in store for him. 

This morning in my quiet time, before I had heard of his going home, my focus had been on faithfulness to purpose, and my prayer was that according to God's Word and by His grace I would live my life in such a way that it would have an eternal Godly effect on my generations after me - to follow the example of faith that went before them - like I followed my mother's faith, and she followed her dad's.

I know that Billy Graham prayed for people around the world. I know that he lived and breathed 2nd Peter 3:9, ...not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. I know that he prayed for countries around this globe! As we move into these end times, who will now stand in the gap and pick up the mantle? Will you? 

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for the life of Reverend Billy Graham. Thank You for anointing and equipping him to fulfill Your purpose for his life. Abba, we ask You for a fresh anointing to fulfill Your purpose in our lives. We want to walk with You and live for You in such a way that others will look at our journey and it will lead them to You. We love You, Father. We want to love You more. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen