Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.Hebrews 13:7
(Obviously, this is a very personal prayer. As you read it, I encourage you to think about the men and women who have made Jesus beautiful and believable to you.)
Dear heavenly Father, eighteen years ago today, April 8, 1996, you welcomed my spiritual father, Jack Miller, into your eternal presence. A part of my heart was ripped with profound sadness; for you used Jack to open the curtains, raise the shades, and lift the window of my soul to the riches of the gospel of your grace. No man has even showed me more of your Fatherly love, and no man has ever loved me more fully as a son.
But another part of my heart was filled with irrepressible gladness; for Jack longed to be with Jesus, more than anything else; a close second being his passion that everyone would come to know Jesus. So Father, it’s easy for me to obey this Scripture today—the call to remember those who spoke your Word to me. Thank you for giving Jack to me for 21 years—to me, and to so many others, all daughters and sons in grace.
When I consider his life and its outcome, I see the heritage of what can happen when we hoist the sails of our hearts to the steady winds of your grace. I watched grace gentle, transform and free a “recovering Pharisee.” I never knew a more kind, generous, and unselfish man—who rejoiced with the laughter of angels and loved with the affection he found in you.
How do I imitate his faith? By believing the gospel, with which he blasted my heart for 21 years; by loving to pray the way Jack loved to pray—spending time fellowshipping with his Father, meditating on your kingdom promises, and seeing more and more of the beauty of Jesus.
By “risking, instead of rusting”; by putting myself into situations to prove that you remain the God who raises the dead; by being the “chief repenter” in every relationship; by giving myself to your commitment to redeem your family from the nations and make all things new, through Jesus.
Father, on the anniversary of his death, I remember Jack’s life and joy, faith and love, freedom and boldness. By your grace, please make of me a little of the beautiful man Jack was. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.
