On February 21, 2018 the world said goodbye to a legend of the Christian faith. Dr. Billy Graham went home to be with his Lord to hear the well-deserved words, “Well done faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25:21 KJV)
Billy Graham’s life and death impacted many people, either directly or indirectly. In my life, indirectly. My father was saved when I was two years old and my mother got saved shortly after that. From that moment on, every time Billy Graham had a crusade that aired on television, my parents would watch the crusade. I remember as a little girl sitting in front of the TV listening to the many sermons Billy preached and listening to the magnificent voices of George Beverly Shea, Cliff Barrows, and the Crusade choir.
When I was in college, my family had the opportunity to be a part of one of Leighton Ford’s (Billy’s brother-in-law) crusades as part of the crusade choir. On the final night of the crusade Billy came to preach. Unfortunately, I had to work that night and so I missed being able to hear him in person. But singing in the choir was such an awesome experience! I had never been a part of something so massive. It’s a great memory.
When I got married, my husband was the chief engineer for a number of Christian radio and television stations. After we followed my brother and parents in a move to Montana, my folks were a part of a committee to bring Franklin Graham (Billy’s son) to our city for a crusade. They were part of the planning committee and made contact with all of the churches and did a lot of the leg work needed before the crusade came to town. My husband and I, brother, sister-in-law, and parents also sang in the crusade choir. I became one of the counselors to pray with people who came forward to receive salvation. It was an awesome experience, and one I treasure in my heart.
Billy Graham will go down in history as being one of the most influential people to impact the world. His life and messages reflected the love and dedication he had for Jesus Christ, and he spent his life’s work proclaiming the Gospel to anyone who would listen. Millions of people have come to faith in Christ through Billy’s ministry. He was a man who lived his life above reproach. No one could ever accuse him of not living out his faith in front of them. His was a life that was scandal free. He lived what he preached. Jesus was Billy’s best friend, Savior, Lord, and Master, and he wanted everyone to know it.
My heart is sad because he will be greatly missed, but I also rejoice in the fact that Billy Graham is home. He will no longer have to deal with the frailties of this life, and he is now in the presence of the God who loved Billy so much that He gave His Only Son to die on a cross for the world, including Billy Graham.
The world is saying goodbye to a great leader of the Faith, and our hearts are heavy because if we ever needed a man like Billy Graham to point the way to Jesus, it is now. As the Bible has prophesied, the world is becoming worse. Evil is running rampant, and the only solution is Jesus. God has told us in His Word that Jesus is coming back to take His Church away, and we must be ready. In Biblical prophecy, that is the only thing left to happen in the Biblical timeline. Jesus is coming back for those who have committed their lives to Him and will take us to live with Him forever.
If you have never accepted Jesus into your heart and life, do it today. The Bible says we do not know the day or the hour when He will return. When He comes to Rapture the Church away, it will be too late. Jesus loves you and He wants you to be part of His family. Turn your heart to Him, repent of your sins, ask Him to forgive you and wash you clean. Then promise to live for Him the rest of your life, endeavoring to follow Him and make Him Lord, Master, and Savior. When you do that, Jesus brings peace to your heart and soul, and a joy that cannot be explained, and that the world cannot give.
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