Jump Start # 823

Revelation 14:13 “And I heard a voice from Heaven saying, ‘Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘so  that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.’”

This Jump Start is dedicated to my friend and fellow preacher Marty Pickup

Yesterday morning I was teaching our passage to a group. It was a good study. About the same time I was teaching, my friend, Marty, was playing tennis in Florida. He loved to play tennis. He collapsed during a game and passed away. His death shocked and stunned so many of us. Marty was only 53. He was a brilliant gospel preacher. His studies in ancient Judaism and the formation of the Bible was incredible. Marty was so smart. But more than that, he was so kind and so helpful. I have many fond memories of him. He called a while back about something that was very important to him and we had nearly an hour conversation. He sent me one of his articles that he was working on and wanted my advice. I was flattered that he wanted my thoughts.

Marty’s sudden death brought back a flood of memories of his sister’s sudden death several years ago. She was a member of the congregation I was preaching at then in Kansas City. I remember Marty speaking so kindly to me before I preached her funeral. That was difficult. She was a dear friend.

The suddenness of Marty’s death takes one’s breath away but that itself is not all that uncommon. Car accidents, disasters, and other mishaps takes a life nearly every day. I think what has shaken me so much was that Marty was so good. He was so needed. He was a major influence in God’s kingdom. His articles, his preaching and his love for the Lord gave us a depth and a freshness that was helpful to so many of us. Just last night I read a series of Marty’s articles about the formation of the books of the Bible. It was thorough, researched and very readable to a common mind like mine. Why is it that the good ones go? We could use decades more of Marty’s love and teaching. Why is it that those who don’t care remain? My good wife reminded me of what I knew. Marty was ready. The Lord is being patient with the others, giving them opportunity to change.

My mind was unsettled last night. I kept thinking of Marty’s dear family. I remember what it was like for his sister’s family. I was there. It was hard, tearful, but thankful for a life well lived. I kept thinking about Marty. I wonder what he was seeing. I wonder if he and his sister met. I thought about our passage today. Although written specifically to encourage those who daily were facing execution because of their faith, there is a lasting and broader truth to what is said. There is a blessing for those who die in the Lord.

First, they are finished with all the troubles of this life. Our country is quickly throwing God overboard. Same sex marriage will be a reality before long. Folks don’t see that there is a line connecting evolution, atheism, violence, homosexuality and a selfish spirit that is dominating our times. People want to do what they want. There are consequences to such arrogance. The worst is a life without God leads to an eternity without God. My friend, Marty is finished with this fight. He leaves this mess. He finished what God wanted. He is home safe. Never to be tempted again. Never to sin again. Never to hear bad news again. There is a tug on the hearts of the righteous to want to join him. He is so blessed.

Second, they are experiencing the reality of their faith. How many sermons, how many songs, how many prayers do the righteous experience before they see with their own eyes the beauty and splendor of the Lord. The Bible is true. God is right. God is upon the throne. Those noble truths come to a reality when those in the Lord die.

Third, even though they leave us, their footprints remain. Our passage tells us that “their deeds follow them.” Much like Abel, in Hebrews 11, that though he is dead, he still speaks. All of us leave footprints in the sands of time as the great poet once wrote. Our children’s first impression of marriage comes from what they see at home. The greatest sermons our families witness are the ones lived out day after day at home. Some day you will leave this place. Your family and friends will remember your attitudes, choices, spirit, devotion and love. Some talk a good game, others live it. The articles, sermons, spirit and devotion of my friend Marty, will long help others, including me. All of us connect and influence others. You leave an impression upon others. People see you for what you do and how you conduct yourself. Some of us carry sorry and negative attitudes all our lives. We feel that we are victims. Others, such as my friend, Marty, grasped the heart of a servant. Helping others. Being there for others. Mentoring others. Teaching others. Giving. Sharing. What a legacy. What footprints. What are you leaving for others to follow?

Finally, the death of God’s children puts a seriousness upon us. Life is short. Time is precious. Although I have a deep sense of wanting to be on the other side, I remain here. There is a work that continues on. There is a fight and a struggle for God that we must be engaged in. It is so easy to be caught up in the shallow, superficial things that do not matter. The death of the righteous reminds us that God is good to us. It reminds us that we must be about God’s work. It reminds us that we are on a destination.

How thankful we are that the story of our lives does not end with the cemetery. How thankful we are that Jesus conquered death and Satan. How thankful we are that God has made us in His image. How thankful we are that God wants us to spend forever with Him.

Do you know someone who doesn’t know Jesus? It’s time to tell them. Do you know someone who is stuck in the shallowness and sinfulness of this world? It’s time to tell them. How about us? How serious are we? How dedicated are we? How faithful are we?

Someday will be our last day…are you ready?

Thanks, Marty. Rest sweet, brother. I already miss you. God will take care of you!

Roger