Unlike so many in the world I never met Billy Graham and never saw him in person, not even at one of his crusades, but I have followed his ministry for decades—watching his crusades on television, listening to his radio broadcast, reading some of his books and, like millions of others, supporting his ministry with prayers and monthly giving. And, like millions of others, I am saddened by the loss of such a great man of God to the world.
Billy Graham was a man who said “yes” to God for a particular calling, gifted by God to succeed in his calling through the obedience of faith and the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Word of God. Through the years I have been particularly impressed by Graham’s single-minded focus. He was never lured off his given course. He did lend his name and gifts to other endeavors, but never veered from his primary calling by God. And he never departed from the simple but profound message of the gospel. A message for all people for all time.
Several quotations particularly come to my mind when I think of Billy Graham.
The first, something that Bono said about the great musician, B. B. King. “For true greatness to take place, there requires a long obedience in the same direction.”
Second, 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul’s words to the young preacher, Timothy. “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
Third, Proverbs 22:29, “Show me a man who is diligent in his work and I will show you a man who will stand before kings…” We might also be reminded of Joseph, Daniel, and the apostle Paul.
Fourth, the words of Jesus, Himself, Matthew 11:28-29. “Come to Me all you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.” Billy Graham was a gentle and humble man who moved the hearts of many to find rest for their souls in Jesus Christ.
Two of my favorite things that Billy Graham said. (These are not verbatim quotes.)
One, in this very partisan world in which we live where virtually everything is reduced to the politics of the right or left, Billy Graham wrote that to be a Christian is to be a partisan for Christ.
And, two, the apostle Paul said, “…that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.” Billy Graham was often criticized for preaching in certain churches, but he said that he rejoiced in every cross displayed on every church everywhere in the world.
And I conclude with this thought: Billy Graham was a man greatly used of God to do His work, but it was not the work of a single man. Rather, it was the work of a community of faith, a corporate body made of many diverse members each with their own spiritual gifts working in the harmony of the Spirit of God toward a single purpose. It was the work of the Body of Christ, the church. Billy Graham knew this. It was and remains one of the great strengths of his ministry.
I loved Billy Graham. He was my brother. I will miss him. But his work will live on.