Two deaths this week made headlines. Actor and dancer Patrick Swayze
succumbed to pancreatic cancer. And Bible teacher Paul Van Gorder.
Millions were impacted when they saw Swayze in movies such as North and
South, Ghost, Dirty Dancing, etc. Millions were also impacted by Van Gorder
though many would not recognize his name, as he pastored a large church in
Atlanta 1945-69, then wrote and spoke for “Our Daily Bread” devotionals and
the Radio Bible Class radio and television programs until retirement a
decade ago.
Swayze’s testimony of his personal journey of faith was from Catholicism to
Scientology and finally Buddhism. Van Gorder was a born-again believer with
a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as his Savior Whom he served
faithfully.
I am trying to envision what the gates of heaven/hell looked like on Monday.
What will be the “welcome” to these two men?
I am reminded of a story of an elderly missionary couple who had given a
lifetime serving God in Africa. They had buried two children on the
continent and their health was spent. They returned on the same steamer as
President Teddy Roosevelt, who was returning from a hunting safari on that
continent.
As the liner docked in New York, throngs of people crowded the pier. Bands
played and a gala “Welcome Home” festive atmosphere was everywhere.
Later, as one of the last to disembark, the feeble couple looked around. The
crowds were gone; the music over. The dock deserted, with only blowing trash
from the crowds a mute reminder. No one was waiting for them, to help with
their trunks or pick them up. No honor. No glory. Nothing. They stood
alone on the pier.
With great tears rolling down her cheeks, the saintly woman looked
questioningly in the eyes of her husband. “Why? The President goes on
vacation and gets a huge welcome home. We have given all for Jesus for 40
years, our health broken, and there is no Welcome Home. Why?”
Her godly husband brushed away her tears, looked deep in her eyes, and
simply said, “We’re not home yet.”
~~
Dr Bob Griffin
[email protected] www.grif.net
“Jesus Knows Me, This I Love!”