Nearing Home - Billy Graham [48]
Ask God to make a forgiving spirit part of your legacy, not only reconciling you with others but also passing on an example of Christ’s forgiveness and grace to those who come after you. It isn’t easy; it will take much thought, wisdom, and prayer. But it will be one of the most important things you ever do.
NEARING HOME WITH A LASTING LEGACY
Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful words in the human vocabulary and is best illustrated by God’s forgiveness of sin. When God’s people practice forgiveness with their fellow man, sweetness replaces harshness. A marvelous example of this is revealed in the life of Joseph, when he forgave his brothers for selling him into slavery as a young man. Joseph assured his brothers that while they intended to do evil to their younger brother, God meant it for good by using him to save many people during the famine that swept the land (Genesis 50:20). Because of Joseph’s demonstration of forgiveness, he was greatly blessed of God in his old age. The Bible says, “Joseph saw Ephraim’s children to the third generation. The children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were also brought up on Joseph’s knees” (Genesis 50:23 NKJV). What a legacy! The grandchildren and great-grandchildren of this hero of faith enjoyed fellowship with their grandfather, Joseph. If we cannot find it in our hearts to forgive within our own family, how can we practice this attribute of Christ with others and know God’s blessings?
The Bible says that great blessing comes when we see our children’s children (Psalm 128:6). Do we fully comprehend the blessings that come from the hand of God? May we take advantage of the opportunities to influence our families for Christ.
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A FOUNDATION THAT LASTS
Each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
—1 CORINTHIANS 3:10–11
God buries His workmen but carries on His work.
—CHARLES WESLEY
Young people never see themselves as growing old. They are caught up in the age of youthfulness, bursting with excitement that energizes their hopes and dreams. I can recall those days. In the late thirties, I was a nineteen-year-old student at Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity College) located on the outskirts of Tampa. I, along with some other students, met an aged evangelist by the name of Judson W. Van DeVenter. He had ministered with J. Wilbur Chapman (who had traveled and preached with D. L. Moody and later became a mentor to Billy Sunday). Mr. Van DeVenter taught hymnology at the school and wrote many notable songs such as “I Surrender All” and “Saved Through Jesus’ Blood.”
Mr. Van DeVenter had some orange groves in the Sunshine State, and when he could no longer work, the young fellows at the school went to pick the fruit before the frost fell. We found ourselves looking after the elderly preacher. I remember how appreciative he was when the younger guys would lend a helping hand. He benefitted from our labor, and while we never imagined being that old and may not have understood at the time, we drew from his example. Such encounters contribute to life’s foundation.
J. W. Van DeVenter died in Temple Terrace, Florida, in 1939 at age eighty-four. As an energetic Bible student, I could not imagine living that long and needing the level of care that he required. It seemed he could do little for himself. Now that I am ninety-two, my gratitude for Mr. Van DeVenter is deeper. Respect for others grows as we ourselves become dependent upon others. Looking back on providing for Mr. Van DeVenter gives me a greater appreciation for those who so lovingly care for me today. I can only hope in my senior state that I am building bridges for those following behind me as I encourage them on the roads they travel.
For those of us nearing home, our steps may indeed be slow, but they need not be without purpose. Younger generations follow us on our last mile