Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Memorial services like the one today for Senator Bill Armstrong, can be like “family reunions.” It is always good to see people that don’t pass our paths all that often. Among those were Dr. James and Shirley Dobson. I believe I had met Dr. Dobson on only one other occasion. I had the opportunity to share with him that when our son was only one year old, that the film series, “Focus on the Family” had just come out. Also, his book “Dare to Discipline” and “The Strong-Willed Child” were among our early reads as parents. I told him our son would say of he and his sister, “we were raised as Dobson children.”
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Now, Master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, as You promised. For my eyes have seen Your salvation.” Luke 2:29-30 NASB
Today, I share a few reflections on life, a leader and our Lord. I attended with a few thousand others the memorial service of Senator Bill Armstrong, President of Colorado Christian University. It was a service in honor of a “great American” and servant of Christ, but it was a service for the glory of Jesus.
From the processional of “In Christ Alone” to the closing anthem with proclamations of “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus” boldly and prayerfully in between, it was a tribute to both a man and a Savior.
The service was moving and challenging, not just because of Bill Armstrong and his legacy, but because of the focus on Jesus. The verse above is from the mouth of Simeon when he held in his arms the new born Messiah. But how appropriate for the life that held on to and was held by the a risen, living Savior.
Bill Armstrong as a man at peace with His Savior and at peace with his world. He had much more he desired to accomplish if the Lord permitted, but he anticipated and was at peace with seeing his Savior knowing his time “for his departure was hand.”
Since facing my own mortality, I find these moments far more impacting that ever. I am challenged as I am sure others were to live out their faith in a more winsome manner and to reinforce the need for the hearts of people to be changed by the love and power of Jesus Christ. We all have a legacy that we will leave. The time to consider what that legacy will be is now. If there was anyone who attained enough success in life to “sit back and take his leave” it was Bill Armstrong. But he was a man committed to living life with purpose to the full to the every end.
The final eulogy was by Bill’s son Wil Armstrong. Wil said he had been preparing for this day for thirty years. He shared how he remembered his father speaking the memorial of his father and Wil knew that one day he would be doing the same for his father.
Whether you were a close friend or someone like myself who knew Bill Armstrong casually, his impact was always deep and profound. He was a great man, because of his commitment to a a great Savior.
The service today was being held on Bill and Ellen’s 54th wedding anniversary. As Dr. Don Sweeting was giving an invitation (at Bill’s request) for people to respond to Christ, I couldn’t help but think how significant it was for people on the anniversary day, that Bill said, “I will” take Ellen as his wife, that individuals would say, “I will” take Jesus as my Savior.
Gerry Klassen wrote a wonderful tribute, painting a picture of Bill Armstrong’s entrance into heaven. The final words, are “The Angel Gabriel brings in the Book of Life and he turns the pages until he stops at William Lester Armstrong, there he reads, “Child of the King and faithful to the service of God’s kingdom, trusted in His Word, he is an ethical, Christ-centered Christian.”
Simon Peter is carrying a beautiful, pure white, floor-length rob and the apostle Paul is polishing a crown. The orchestra is turning up their instruments, the choir is practicing their harmony; hear them singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy, the Lord God Almighty.” The celebrants are steaming into the hall. I hear the crowd give a joyful shout for Jesus has arrived.
Hallelujah, What a Savior.”
And I would add that Bill Armstrong raises his “radio voice” and leads the throng in a shout of “Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!
Prayer for today…. Lord, thank you for the reminder from the life of Bill Armstrong that there is nothing better that we can do, than to exalt Jesus! Allow our lives to be lived in a way that will bring glory to Your name and impact people for the cause of the gospel.
You can read obituary and view service at http://www.ccu.edu/billarmstrong/