It was with a mixture of sadness and joy the world heard the news of the passing of the great Evangelist Dr Billy Graham this past Wednesday. He said when he was alive “One day you will hear the news that Billy Graham is dead. But don’t believe it. For on that day I will be more alive than ever.” Billy Graham has stepped into eternity with an incredible legacy as an Evangelist. He preached to some 215 million people during his lifetime. He ran an incredible race for Christ.
My own mother and her sister, my Aunt made decisions for Christ at his 1959 Crusade in New Zealand. I remember attending and participating in his global Satellite Crusade in 1995 with my Grandfather. My Grandfather supported his ministry for many years. Billy Graham has had a tremendous impact on my family and I know his ministry has impacted countless families around the world.
I know my mother and millions of others will be there to welcome him into glory and thank him for the part he played in them being there. It’s a humbling thing to be the messenger who is instrumental in bringing a person to a saving knowledge of Christ. Jesus’ finished work is complete and He needs messengers to bring the good news of the wonderful gift of salvation to a world in need of hope.
Today I have been thinking about our generation. So many great Evangelists have headed into glory in recent years and the gospel needs to continue to be preached in our generation. It is my prayer that this ministry along with so many others will be used greatly to stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before.
When Elisha picked up the mantle of Elijah, he stood on the banks of the Jordan river. He struck the water and cried out “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” (2 Kings 2:13) Today we are striking the water with the same prayer. It’s our prayer that the God of those great men of God like Billy Graham will continue to move drawing the masses into the Kingdom of God. As we remember Billy Graham today and honor him, lets also honor the God who made it all possible.
As we remember the great crowds and incredible gift of Evangelism on this great man of God, lets be praying that this generation will also have those who make an impact drawing multitudes into the Kingdom of God. Let’s be believing God for a revival of such magnitude that millions are swept into the Kingdom of God!
