Pastor Willy’s Last Breath

Pastor Willy’s Last Breath

Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:13-14

When I admitted Pastor Willy into the hospital, I knew that when he left, it would be to the other side of the veil. After making my morning rounds, I stopped in to see him.

“Good morning, Pastor. Do you mind if I pull up a chair?”

“C’mon in, Doc,” he said.

As always, Pastor Willy had stories to share. We discussed some of the things he’d witnessed in his life and the sermons he’d preached. He had started preaching when he was eighteen years old and just out of high school. And he hadn’t stopped preaching until the previous Sunday, at the ripe age of one hundred.

As he reflected on his century of life and some of the highlights of his ministry, he said, “Dr. Anderson, I have seen a lot of amazing sights in my years. And man has done a lot to help this world. But I’ve also witnessed the curse we live under. I have suffered many a trial and tribulation, and this morning I am ready to go home. That’s what Jesus promised. He promised to take me home.”

I marveled at his faith. His life was an example of a race well run. “Pastor, though I don’t think you have much more time left, I don’t know when your last breath will be any more than I know when my last breath will be. But I do know that your last breath here will be your first in glory.” I paused for a moment and then added, “I wish I could join you when you go. If you will save me a seat near the throne, I would greatly appreciate it.”

Jesus promises redemption and relief from our suffering through our faith in his saving grace. Ask him to give you his peace until the moment you take your last breath—just as he did for Pastor Willy.

TODAY’S RX

Today, give thanks to God for every breath he has given you.

Lord, thank you for my breath. You’ve blessed me beyond words, and I’m grateful.