Sometimes we wonder why someone dies what we would call prematurely. We especially wonder this about a person that seemed to have such potential, or even godly potential. From our perspective it almost always seems too early. Have you ever considered God's perspective? We won't even get into the whole "God is outside of time and space" thing. I have wondered at times why a pastor, missionary, etc. seemingly in their prime died "early." I think of singer-song writer Keith Green who was radically saved years ago. His passion for God was incredible (if you can find it, read his book "No Compromise"). He was killed in a plane crash at the beginning of his prime. The world had not yet seen the good he could have brought. Why? Why so early? So, I wonder sometimes did God just want them to Himself early? In 1 Kings 14, King Jereboam is upset because his son Abijah is sick and looks like he is going to die. He sends his wife to ask the prophet Ahijah about it. Unfortunately he gets the news that not only would the boy die, but because Jereboam had been a terrible king in leading Israel into pagan worship practices and such, that all his sons would be killed. However, God said that Abijah was the only good person out of Jereboam's house. In fact, God looked at taking Abijah home (death) to be a good thing. He would be the only son that received a burial. This Scripture devotion was timely. My wife's dad, Bill Butler, went to be with the LORD over ten years ago. He was in the midst of his prime serving the LORD. God saw fit to take him home. A good friend was kind with this reminder from Acts 11:24 "He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord." And so his legacy and the likes of Bill Butler keep on perpetuating the Gospel through disciples that continue making disciples. Let this be a tribute to those that have served faithfully and gone on ahead of us. Thank you.
