A Preacher Died Today

I know most of my friends didn't notice and perhaps they shouldn't be expected to have noticed, but today a preacher died. To be sure his family has taken notice and feel that inevitable sense of loss. Because of his calling they had to share him with the church he served and the community in which he lived and now a terribly all too common disease has done its worst and left an empty place in their hearts. Friends and congregants weep today but as surely as the sun will rise tomorrow they will continue their lives and that is exactly what they should do. From the world's point of view . . .

I am certain as Jim began his journey with the Lord as a preacher he had little idea where that journey would lead. But some how in the economy of God we were both chosen by God to be pastor of the same church though he managed to out tenure me by many years. That by itself impressed me. However, we did not meet until I had been gone a number of years. If memory serves me correctly we first met at a reunion of the popular youth music group Shinning Light and the next time was at the funeral of one of my Youth who died a tragic death. Then when I retired we moved back to the area and he became my pastor. Today, on the day of his home going I offer my gratitude to God for allowing Jim Sliger to become a part of the tapestry of my life. 

There is an old hymn that says, "trials dark on every hand and we cannot understand all the ways that God would bring us to that blessed promised land." The years of ministry, as with all of us who serve under the "calling of God,"  had their share of joys and sorrows but never a sense that God did not call us. Jim wanted nothing more and nothing less than to faithfully fulfill God's calling on his life. And today, I am confident that this morning one of the first things, if not the first thing Jim heard, was "Well done thou good and faithful servant."  Oh, and the day will come when we will pick up our conversation. 

I remember hearing the story of an old missionary who spent his entire life in Africa and because of advanced age was returning home. As the ship docked he saw a great crowd gathered and heard a band playing. He did not realize that Theodore Roosevelt was on his ship and the band and crowds were there to welcome him home. By the time the missionary reached the dock the crowds had dissipated and the band was gone and the person from the mission board was not even there to meet him. He complained to the Lord that he had labored his entire life for the Kingdom and not one person greeted him as he came home. Then as he paused in his aloneness he hears a still small voice say, "My son you are not home yet."  

But mark my words . . .  today a preacher didn't just die. His transition from life in this world to life in the world beyond has not gone unnoticed. Jesus has noticed. After all it is He that has said, "Come up higher . . . .Good and faithful servant."  So let the bells of heaven ring for there is joy today.  I knew him first casually over a number of years and then as my own pastor for the past several years. He preached with a sense of urgency; he ministered to other while he, himself, battled the terrible disease of cancer. Humbly he carried out the assignment God gave him when He called him "to preach." Then today, the Father called him home.

Going to miss you my friend but . . . .  

I'll meet you in the morning by the bright riverside
When all sorrow has drifted away
I'll be standing at the portals when the gates open wide
At the close of life's long dreary day.

I'll meet you in the morning with a how do you do
And we'll sit down by the river and with rapture old aquaintance renew
You'll know me in the morning by the smile that I wear
When I meet you in the morning in the city that's built four square.

I will meet you in the morning at the end of the way
On the streets of that city of gold
Where we all can be together and be happy always
While the years and the ages shall roll.

I'll meet you in the morning with a how do you do
And we'll sit down by the river and with rapture old acquaintance renew
You'll know me in the morning by the smile that I wear
When I meet you in the morning in the city that's built four square...