Merry Christmas from the Valley of Reasonable Normalcy. Seemed like it took longer this round of chemo, but regardless – Praise God – I have arrived at what I call “home” for now. Nothing unusual about the physical aspects of the side effects this time. Last week was unusual in that Janet was sick much of the week and we got to reverse roles for a change. I learned a little about being a caregiver and she learned a little about not feeling well multiple days. It was good for both of us. Nothing medical scheduled for this coming week (Praise the Lord) as we backed everything off an additional week to have time to celebrate Christmas with our family who will begin to gather tonight.
Emotionally it was a roller coaster week. Ron Rogers did go home and that is a loss for us who are left. Ron had stage four cancer even as I do. It was apparently discovered about the same time as mine. He had retired as I in order to be more available to the Lord after a life of service to the Lord. There was much in his heart he still wanted to do for the Lord – and yet He was called to our eternal home and I am still here. Thinking about that one doesn’t really help. God is not saying one life is more valuable than another or that one can serve me better than another. He is simply showing us what Jesus taught us to pray – “Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” (Matthew 6:10). He is also telling me to be thankful and to treasure the opportunities I still have to share the Gospel and make disciples and serve Him and pray and cry out for revival. There are never enough of those days and so many of them are wasted – missed opportunities – drowned in the world’s cares.
One thing for sure, however, Ron is rejoicing even as we mourn his departure and temporary separation. When someone dies there are always questions in the hearts of many about what happens. We all want to believe that they have gone to “a far better place” no matter how they lived, but that is not what Jesus taught and that is not what the Bible says. Our names have to be written in The Book of Life (Revelation 20:15) and that only happens when make Jesus our Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10). Ron made that choice decades ago. Scripture tells us clearly and gives us a specific example of what happens to a Believer at death. The example is Moses. Scripture confirms his death and that his body was buried (Deuteronomy 34:5-6). Yet though dead and out of his physical body Moses appears in glory with Elijah and Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-5). To me the most amazing thing about that story is that Moses knows what is coming (the crucifixion and Jesus’ return to the Father) and they are discussing it (Luke 9:28-31). That tells me that Ron has now joined the “great cloud of witnesses” and will be actively involved with the Lord in what is happening here – now (Hebrews 12:1) – another friend and advocate “on the other side”. Thank you Lord.
We also know that Ron will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ to give an account of his life (Romans 14:10-12). This is not the Great White Throne Judgment which announces our eternal destination (Revelation 20:11-15). That was determined when we accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. At that point our name is written in The Book of Life. This will be a time when we will learn with joy of all God did through us when we allowed Him to work – and sadness as He shows us all He would have done if we had been available. That is, I believe what Revelation means when it speaks of God drying our eyes for it will include that time of sadness (Revelation 21:4), but it also will be a time of rewards as Ron will receive rewards (crowns) for his faithfulness and service (2 Timothy 4:8) James 1:12) (1 Peter 5:4) (Revelation 22:12). There too he will meet those who proceeded him that are in Heaven because God had used Ron as a witness to open their hearts to the Lord. What a time of joy – and for him there will be many there to celebrate with – and many more who will join them over the coming years.
The Celebration of Ron’s life will be a week from tomorrow. Please be praying as they prepare that it honors God as well as honors Ron – and that the Gospel will be proclaimed boldly so that if only one is there whose name is not yet in the Book of Life – that person may be drawn to the Lord. Pray for Leslee as she adjusts to life without Ron being physically present. Pray that I use the days God still has for me to bring Him honor and glory and that many may come to know Him as God continues to use me (Thank you Lord for every day and every hour and every opportunity). Please pray also as we are in the editing process for publication of the book. The possible publication date for the first volume (book) is next September.
Have a wonderful Christmas. Again – thank you for your prayers and company on this journey.
About David Maddox – After a legal career in both Texas and Arizona that spanned over 40 years as a civil litigator, God called David to leave his law practice and work full time as Discipleship Director for Time to Revive. That call is really the fruit of decades of prayer for revival and teaching God’s Word, writing discipleship materials and seeking to make disciples. David married Janet Whitehead in 1976 and they minister together from their Phoenix home. God has blessed them with four children and thus far seven grandchildren.
