The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. (Job 1:21)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, four individuals connected with our church died. My heart grieved for each person who passed away. However, I was especially hit hard emotionally when word came to me about Jack’s death.
Over and over people who knew Jack earlier in his life would tell me about his love for God and for God’s church, and that he was an amazing Christian servant. Others talked about him having been one of the most intelligent people they knew. Many shared, “If you needed something solved or done, you could call on Jack, and he would know what to do!”
However, in recent years Alzheimer’s had caused his thinking to be muddled and confused. By the time I met Jack, he did not talk much, but his gentleness and wonderful smile caused me to want to hang around him. I loved the twinkle in his eyes when he occasionally had something humorous to say.
Upon receiving news of Jack’s death, I drove to visit his wife, Melba. I wanted to offer words of comfort. Melba was sad. She and Jack had been married for sixty-nine years, and they had a wonderful marriage. However, I could also sense a divine peace mixed with Melba’s sadness. She shared, “I know Jack is now in heaven with Jesus. The name of the Lord be praised!”
Praise the Lord, whether circumstances are pleasant or difficult.
Jim “Umf” Lo is a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books published by Wesleyan Publishing House.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
