Another Soldier has Gone Home

God doesn’t lie. That’s why not everyone who arrives in heaven will hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21, 23). Those who receive that welcome will be those who have done well; those who have served faithfully and good. As sure as I am of this truth, I am likewise sure that last Friday evening, Jasper Grigg heard those words when he arrived at his eternal reward. Reader’s Digest used to have a regular column entitled, “The Most Unforgettable Character I’ve Ever Met.” Jasper could have been one of those “characters” for me. He was every Pastor or Interim Pastor’s dream deacon. I was doubly privileged to serve as his Interim Pastor twice. Career military, long-time Sunday School teacher, father of two wonderful friends of mine, confidant and critic, I will miss him. But he has now answered heaven’s muster, passed inspection, and assumed his rightful place in the King’s Eternal Army. Janet Paschal graciously allowed me to use the words of one of her songs in a book I wrote. They were also quoted at my father’s funeral. They are appropriate again. “Strike up the band; assemble the choir; another soldier’s coming home. Another warrior hears the call; he’s waited so long; he’ll battle no more; but he’s won his wars. Make sure heaven’s table has room for one more. Sing a welcome song. Another soldier’s coming home.”

Join me this week in remembering the following global concerns:
• Pray for the thousands who’ve suffered in the aftermath of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.
• Pray for 124 Southwestern Seminary students who are preaching revival meetings across the nation this spring-break week.
• My wife and I are accompanying our granddaughter, Whitney, on her senior mission trip in Vancouver, Canada this week. Pray that God will bless her and her ministries.
• Pray for seminars on Servant Leadership to be held in Cyprus on March 14- 18.
• Pray for J and N as the anti-American hostilities increase in the place where they serve.