The End of a Era

Wednesday morning I woke up to hear the news that I suppose millions of others were privy to as well…Billy Graham has passed away at the age of 99. Without question, Graham’s impact upon our nation and our world for the gospel of Jesus Christ is tremendous. Many regard him as the most influential religious figure of the past one hundred years. Few of us have not heard one of his sermons, attended one of his organization’s evangelistic events, read one of his magazines, or been personally affected by his influence upon our culture. As a pastor I have been privileged to use countless resources that have been provided by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to disciple others in their decision to follow Jesus Christ. I have been personally challenged, encouraged, and convicted by his countless sermons and books. In many ways, his passing ushers in the end of an era. The greatest evangelist for the gospel of Jesus Christ in our time is no more. I believe it behooves us to reflect upon several truths surrounding the momentous event.

1. The power of integrity. While one who was in the spotlight such as Billy Graham could not possibly go without ruffling a few feathers, it was unanimously agreed upon by the masses and those who knew him best that his integrity was unflappable. In a ministry that spanned almost 80 years, there were certainly many opportunities for this man of God to fail morally or ethically. It happens so much we have come to expect it. However, one story shares exactly why this was never the case with Graham. Traveling abroad during one of his evangelistic crusades, his companions were shocked to hear that he had ripped the T.V. cable out from the wall of his hotel room. When questioned about the incident he replied, “The cost of damage to the room pales in comparison to the cost of my integrity had I allowed myself to view the provocative programming on that T.V.”

2. The wonder of humility. While few were as well-versed, well-traveled, or as internationally recognized as Graham, he was still known to everyone as simply “Billy.” One good friend of Billy Graham stated his character in this way: “My first impression of the man at close quarters was not of his good looks but of his goodness; not of his extraordinary range of commitments, but of his own 'committedness' to his Lord and Master. To be with him even for a short time is to get a sense of a single-minded man; it shames one and shakes one as no amount of ability and cleverness can do.”

3. The centrality of the gospel. While Graham had countless favorable opportunities to use his influence for many noteworthy causes, he painstakingly kept the main thing the main thing. He never wavered from his commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ “for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

4. The hope of a witness. A simple shoe salesman named Edward Kimball led D.L. Moody to Christ. Moody encouraged F.B. Meyer to preach and Meyer would lead J. Wilbur Chapman to Christ. Chapman’s preaching would move Billy Sunday to follow Christ. It was at one of Sunday’s Crusades that Mordecai Ham would commit His life to Christ. Billy Graham would receive Christ after attending one of Ham’s sermons…and go on to preach to more than 100 million! Don’t overlook the powerful hope of one witness.

5. The continuance of the mission. This question is before us. Who can possibly fill the shoes of a “Billy Graham”? Perhaps the Apostle Paul answered it best in a letter he wrote just before his passing: “Remember Jesus Christ…as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!” (2 Timothy 2:9-10).

Until Christ Returns,

Jason