It Is Not Death To Die
Posted September 10th, 2009 by Tullian Tchividjian
Last night I went to visit my seventy-year-old father who lies in very critical condition as a result of liver transplant surgery two days ago. Prior to surgery, his doctors discovered that his heart is in much worse condition than they had anticipated, and he may not recover. Even if he does, he will spend at least the next three months in the hospital.
When I walked into the ICU, I gasped. I cried. He was heavily sedated; tubes coming in and out of everywhere. Bloody bandages all over the place. He was bloated. He looked dead. Even though his eyes were closed and filled with tears, he would grimace in pain from time to time. I think he knew I was there–I’m banking on it, anyway.
I spent 45 minutes with him by myself talking to him, reminding him of our trip to Switzerland (his homeland) last year and all the fun we had. I told him how much I love him and what a great dad he has been to me. I told him how much Jesus loves him and how, one way or another, he will be just fine real soon. I cried some more. It was the first time I came face to face (literally) with the sobering reality that my dad will die–perhaps much sooner rather than later. The thought of losing him breaks my heart. Dad is one of my best friends and wisest advisors. I haven’t made one major decision over the past seventeen years without seeking his counsel. He’s also one of my biggest fans. No one encourages me more than my dad. He’s a gospel man through and through. God’s amazing grace still amazes him–and that amazes me!
Thinking about living the rest of my life without my dad makes me want to wail. I can’t imagine the loss I’ll feel when he dies. But this experience reminds me of the fact that life and the world we live in aren’t what they’re supposed to be. This isn’t the perfect world God created before we filled it with sin. There’s something about diseased hearts, painful recoveries, death, and relational separation that sobers us up to the reality that things aren’t right in our world.
But, as I reminded my dad last night (hoping–believing–that he heard me), for those who are in Christ, the best is yet to come. The day is coming when God will satisfy our deepest longings and fulfill our highest dreams. He’ll wipe away all our tears and end every frustration. He will, in the words of J. R. R. Tolkien, make “everything sad come untrue.” He’ll right every wrong and correct every injustice. The day is coming when we’ll work and play and worship forever, with no more sin, no more sickness and disease, no more failure, no more pain, no more death. There is coming a day when the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and we will reign with him forever and ever (Revelation 11:15).
I ended my time last night with my dad praying with him and singing a hymn that has brought me deep comfort in these difficult days as I watch my dad suffer–a hymn that speaks loudly and clearly of the hope we have in Christ: “It is not Death to Die”…
It is not death to die
To leave this weary road
And join the saints who dwell on high
Who’ve found their home with God
It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears
And wake in joy before Your throne
Delivered from our fears
It is not death to fling
Aside this earthly dust
And rise with strong and noble wing
To live among the just
It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore
Original words by Henri Malan (1787–1864).
Please keep praying for my dad. Pray for a full recovery. I need him around a little longer. But it sure is a deep comfort to know that, for those who have placed their trust in the finished work of Christ, it is not death to die.
September 10th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Tullian,
You must know, our family has been praying fervently for yours. My prayers have been particularly seasoned with emotion as it brings back the memories of losing my mom in February to the same condition. We are praying for his healing.
I am praying that you won’t have to go through the pain of losing him now. Again, as you know, there were other very hard things we were dealing with in the middle of losing her, as you are now. My heart literally feels an ache for you remembering that - I’m am turning that to intercession for you.
Regardless of the outcome - it is a sacred thing to be where you are now watching someone you dearly love walk the thin line between this world and the next. It brings, as you said above, an intense longing for the day when “everything sad will become untrue”.
Rev. 21:1-4 ” Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people and HE HIMSELF will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
Our hope in life or in death.
Much love to you.
September 10th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Tullian,
Please know that your father, you, and your family are lifted up to God by many voices praying for you and with you.
Your father is so proud of you and all that you have accomplished and most importantly is strengthened at this time by your love for him. I’m sure that the love he receives from all of your family, from the prayers said in his honor strengthen him every moment. I’m certain that God’s gentle and loving grace embraces your father. We have the reassurance in this dark hour that Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” With this assurance, we can look forward with hope, so we can pray that God will give you and your family more time with your father, that He will each day strengthen him, mend him, give him relief from the pain and endurance for the road to recovery.
September 10th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Dear Pastor
I’m so very sorry, my words could not even begin to give you comfort. I know exactly how you are feeling right now… and so does our Jesus. I’m praying for comfort for you and your dad. My father went very fast, it was a blessing in disguise. But, I’m praying that God will move by His Holy Spirit and bring a special healing. I know you need your dad right now.. God bless you and yours right now in Jesus Holy name.
Paul
September 10th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” - John 11: 25-27, ESV
We are praying that God will be glorified in your lives during this time as you walk together through this valley.
September 10th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Tullian,
That is a beautiful hymn, and so true to those of us who know the Lord. I am trusting and praying that the Lord will give you more years here with your father. You are blessed to have had such a good relationship with him and the many wonderful memories that you do. No matter what, nothing can take those away from you. May the Lord give you and your family strength and comfort during this very difficult time.
September 10th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Tullian,
I have walked his road and it is not easy, nor fun. But the comfort in knowing that Christ is your father’s surety is an AMAZING comfort in times like these! Because of Christ, God will sustain both you and your father.
I just prayed for you & your father and will continue to do so.
DJ
September 10th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
I woke up to thunder at 1:30 this morning, my first thought, a picture of you and Kim and your extended family gathered around the emotions that inevitably, and without invitation, make themselves known in times such as these.
I have never birthed my own children, (an indescribable ache for me,) but I was given the rare privilege of witnessing the birth of my girlfriend’s daughter last year, and when I saw her little head pressing into the atmosphere, I was silenced as I am now by the unrelentless power of God who gives and takes away. I was also given the honor of being the only person in the room, very early in the morning when my former brother-in-law (whom I adored) at 42, breathed his last breath. As I held his weary hands and looked into his fading eyes, I listened and watched intently as he exhaled this life for the next. I never stopped looking into his eyes until it was over; he knew I was there, in it all the way…to the end, making the most of every second he had left. I have never been the same, nor shall I ever be, due to the front row seat to those two ordained events.
It’s God’s timing that silences me. His infinite wisdom and sovereign will overshadow any notion of my own that would attempt to solve the mystery of life or death at this or any hour.
Although I have listened and enjoyed your father on the radio, I have never met him Tullian, but I know enough of you and Kim now, to conclude that he is all that you have described and more I’m sure, and when the Lord deems it so, the loss will be far greater than what will seem reasonable to your hearts. If my prayers can in some way soften that blow, truly then they will have been answered.
Faithfully,
Robin Revier
September 10th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Tullian, I was with your grandfather for 30 years and actually with Dr Kennedy when we did a Billy Graham School of Evangelism at Coral Ridge a number of years ago.
I just want you to know that my prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. May you have an overwhelming sense of God’s love and peace and provision and strength during this time. I will pray with you that if the Lord permits, your dad will be around for a long time to come. But in everything, I also pray for His PERFECT will to be done.
You are loved!
Larry Backlund
September 10th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Tullian, as you know, I have some deep understanding of what you must feel at this time. Although we all understand that those dear to us must eventually leave us for a while, even that knowledge and understanding cannot relieve the sadness, shock and sense of loss one feels as the stark truth of the event comes upon us.
There is, however, a great solace in the prayer, compassion, concern and love from others as they bring their Christian hearts close to yours during your time of sorrow. I encourage you to revel in the glory and beauty of that sharing of true belief and to know that our prayers are with you and your father. The Lord will protect you and comfort you for He alone knows of the mighty deeds you have, as yet, not completed. Take heart!
David Mehall
September 10th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
My heart weeps for you and your family.Stephan is a wonderful man who has faithfully served Christ for longer than I care to think. He is truly a man of God. I am very sad for all of you.
September 10th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. My heart aches for you. I lost my father three years ago in similar fashion, and I felt like I was being cheated out of the time I deserved with him.
Whether your dad’s passing is today or in five years, your loss will be tremendous, but I promise you God’s grace will fill you afresh at the moment you need it most. Enjoy these moments with your dad. Don’t use today’s grace on tomorrow’s grief. He only gives enough for each day.
My prayers are with you, your dad, and your precious family.
September 10th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Tullian and Kim,
Our prayer for you is that you will someday experience the indescribable joy that comes from witnessing your child demonstrate great faith in service to our Lord. Dr. T was almost giddy on many Lord’s Days after worship at New City. He would just say, “unbelievable,” when he shared his feelings in the afterglow of a particularly anointed sermon. We count it joy that we got to be among those that witnessed the beginnings of your service to our Great God. For us, it makes for incredibly precious memories; for him, We know that it was unbelievably indescribable.
Love,
Sam and Laura
September 10th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
We are praying for your Dad and you, Tullian, out here in Arizona. As I sat in a hospital waiting room during my wife’s cancer surgery, one thing that helped was meditating on God’s goodness. I was also helped by small book by Michael Horton, “Too Good to be True.” It is a priceless meditation on God’s presence with us in the midst of suffering–and the theology of the Cross. Thank God for His Presence in the midst of this–even when we don’t feel it.
September 10th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
(Corrected spelling)
Dear Tullian,
I am praying for your dad, you, and your family.
Although I don’t know your dad personally, I have friends who were helped by his counseling. He must be a dear man to be the father of you and your brother Stephan. May the Lord give you all His strength and His peace.
“Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Thy book they were all written,
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.”
(Psalm 139:16 NASB)
September 10th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God’s grace is sufficient moment by moment. Rest well in Him.
Ann and Ed
September 10th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Dear Pastor,
I wish I had a writers ability to tell you how much you are being lifted up in prayer. I’ll simply say..the Leonardi house has been and will be praying soooo much for you and your whole family. My husband knows about what you are going through…I have to introduce you guys!
We are so glad you and your family are here. You all have so many people that love you. I started a prayer chain in the church I grew up in, in Kentucky, for your Dad and your family. It’s a Baptist church, but it’s still a good thing. (-:
Much Love,
Shari Leonardi
September 10th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Your family has always been special to me and of course my folks. We are praying for peace for all of you and His will.
Much love, Sheri
September 10th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Dear Tullian,
I picked a book off of my shelf a few days ago. It was one about the Graham family. Your name seemed to stick with me and keep coming back to my mind. So I’ve been praying for you. Tonight I happened to read a Christianity Today magazine on my coffee table and there was an article about you at Coral Ridge. I looked the church page up and now I see. The Lord’s put you on my heart to pray even though I don’t really know you and I live very far away. Now I can pray more exactly.
September 10th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
And in the words of Corrie ten Boom, “THE BEST IS YET TO COME”!!!
September 10th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Praying, dear brother! I’ll ask the kids to pray for you, too.
September 10th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
TuTu:
Thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts about you father. He once told me, “I go and hear him every Sunday and I learn something new…I don’t know how he became so wise.” He is so proud of you.
Hardly a minute passed today when your father and your family was not on my mind and in my prayers.
God bless.
kl
September 10th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Dear Tullian,
I’m so sorry about what your dad is going through. It broke my heart to read your blog, but it also inspired me. My father had a heart attack on the fourth of July, and he is stable and living with us. It is challenging. I know that feeling of overwhelming pain.. Each day is a gift from God. We really don’t know about tomorrow (Matthew 6:33). I read your blog and it motivated me to go in and tell him how much I love him and how proud I am that he’s my dad.. Even though I’ve said it before, I just wanted to make sure that he knew just how much he means to us.
I too am praying for more tomorrows with my dad. I’m praying that for you and your family too! I’m praying that you will have opportunities to talk and he’ll be able to communicate with you. Our prayers are with you. WE know this is a very, very difficult time, but God does give us the grace we need. Praying for healing for your dad. God is in the business of miracles.. He does amazing things… May God’s peace and comfort surround you and your family and may you witness the glory of our Lord!!!
Love In Christ,
Tewannah and John
September 10th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Tullian -
Your cousins in Dallas are praying fervently. Your Dad is a wonderful man (reminds me alot of my Dad) and he has meant alot to the Bell family in Dallas. I pray God will extend his life as he did Hezekiah’s.
May God be glorified,
Margaret Anne
September 11th, 2009 at 12:32 am
Tullian,
Your words are a wonderful tribute to your Dad’s faithfulness to you as a father. Our society so desperately needs fathers like your Dad. I have been reading some of Thomas Watson lately as I wait for my treatment down at UM each day. Earlier this week I read these words, “God is the best Master. He is punctilious in all his promises: ‘There is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants…there hath not failed one word of all his good promise’ (1 Kings 8:23,56)…When we are sick, he makes our bed:” Then Watson quoted Psa. 41:3, here it is in the NIV “The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness.” Watson continues “He holds our head when we are fainting.” So as we trust in His sovereignty we plead for His mercy for your Dad.
September 11th, 2009 at 12:59 am
I called your mom yesterday and we talked for a long time…..remembering so many sweet things about your daddy. Please know we love him and your Uncle Franklin and I are praying. When you are with him give him our love.
We love you and will be praying …… for your sweet Daddy and all of your family. Please give our love to everyone.
September 11th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Pastor Tullian,
I pray God would spare your dad’s life and grant him many more years to be with you. And I want to also thank you for writing this post. What you wrote reminded me of how much I miss my “parents”. My mom was a young teenager when she gave birth to me and, therefore, my great-grandparents took me in and raised me. My great-grandmother was to me what you describe your dad being to you. I, too, couldn’t imagine life without her. Graciously, God let me have my great-grandmother for 23 years, and I’ve now lived 23 years without her. As life has gone on, I’ve learned to lean more & more upon God. Your post also reminded me once again of what joy awaits those of us whose hope and trust is in Christ. Thankfully, this life of sorrow, disappointment, pain and loss is not all there is.
Be encouraged.
September 11th, 2009 at 10:09 am
Tullian,
My heart aches for you and your family even though I’ve never met you but am familiar with your ministry. A year and a half ago my dear dad had a routine procedure done and within 48 hours was with Jesus his Savior. I was a thousand miles away and God was gracious to get me to him before he died from a physicians’s mistake. I stood by his bedside saying continually that God is with you dad praying he heard me for I knew he may be passing through the valley of the shadow of death. Will be praying for God’s purposes and glory to be done in your life and your entire family. I miss my dad more than I can put in words, but he is with Jesus.
September 11th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Dear Pastor Tullian,
My heart aches for you & Kim and how difficult it is to stand by and watch the physical pain of a beloved parent. I, too have witnessed my mother’s 2 1/2 year battle with Stage IV colon cancer, and the sadness & hopelessness that comes with it. If it was not for God & knowing that he plans on making all things new, I don’t know how anyone could sustain loss on this earth.
I have been praying for your Dad and resting in the assurance that God will sustain him and nurture his body back to health so that you can bask in his love here on earth a little longer. I believe truly when we have Christ in our heart, we love more deeply and are affected more emotionally then others and that is a good thing! We demonstrate that love that we know Christ has demonstrated toward us. And, our human nature does not want it to end.
It is also spiritually uplifting to my soul to read your blog and the many wonderful inspirational messages shared by others who comment here. It is quite honesty a daily part of my time with God, reflecting & reading the words of other believers whom Christ has imparted his spirit upon.
God knows every hair on our head. You are bathed in prayer throughout the world and God will ultimately be glorified through all the trials we may face in our lives. And, as you stated initially, it is NOT death to die.
Continually in prayer,
Laura Testa
September 11th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Dear Tullian:
This is so beautiful - what a sweet tribute to your very special Dad - I have always known what a Godly man he is and I want my grandchildren to continue learning from him - he has SO much wisdom to give them. He is the only earthly Grandpa my children have and it’s the same for you and Kim as well as others in your family. Your family is showing such extra special love - we are all blessed by this. I’m praying for you all! No matter, what happens, and we certainly want him here to be the encourager to us all that he is, the legacy he leaves is something you can hardly put into words.
I don’t know if you know anything about the Christian fiction series by Jan Karon - The Mitford books - but I have read them all and the main character is an Episcopal, VERY Godly man of God named Father Tim. The first time I read about him, I pictured your Dad - a man always giving a good word to someone and a great encourager. He became my REAL Father Tim and what a blessing that has been!
Continually praying for you all!
Love,
Melinda
September 11th, 2009 at 10:34 am
How wonderfully amazing that God can call our troubles here on earth light and momentary!
God calling all the different kinds of horrible suffering here on earth light, makes what is awaiting for those in Christ that much more wonderful and incomprehensible! 2Corinthians 4:16 - 18
Let us keep our eyes on the unseen rather than what is seen, for the unseen is eternal and He promises that our eternal glory greatly exceeds the sum of all of our suffering.
I also love Psalm 139:16. God gives great comfort by letting us know that He has ordained all of our days(yours, mine, everyones) and wrote them in his book before one of them came to be.
September 11th, 2009 at 10:51 am
DEAR MY PASTOR AND BROTHER,
WE WANT YOU TO FEEL.THAT IT IS SO SPECIAL TO HEAR YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR FATHER LIKE THAT. MY FAMILY AND I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF NEED. WE LOVE YOU IN CHRIST.
IN CHRIST, RUDY & MICHELLE, RACHEL ,CHRISTIAN CASTILLO
September 11th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Dear Tullian, Kim, Nate. Gabe and Genna!
I too woke up to the thunder at 1AM on Thursday morning and prayed for you, your family, Debbie, and especially for your Dad! I am grieving with all of you. I know the pain is indescrible and all I can offer are my tears! For your children I pray God will wrap them in His precious love.
I still weep for my Dad who’s been gone for 20 years.
What would we do without the Body of Christ!
With much love and affection!
Laurie
September 11th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Dear Tullian and Kim,
We are lifting up your dad in prayer Tulllian. Thank you for the stories you tell during Sunday Service as a witness to your upbringing and testimony to your parents when they were raising you. Thank you for last Sunday when you talked about being old-fashioned and how Saturday evening is not a night to stay out or up late but a night to prepare for worship on the Lord’s Day. That was a great testimony for the world to hear!
September 11th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
It’s tough to lose a father.
We are praying for you, my brother.
September 11th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Pastor,
Be on guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong; 1cor 16;13 NLT
please keep us informed, we are standing with you in faith. God Bless Paul
September 11th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
[…] 11, 2009 · Leave a Comment Here are some amazing words from a hymn I read on Tullian Tchividjian’s blog (the grandson of Billy Graham who pastors Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church)…Tullian’s […]
September 11th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Dear Tullian and Family,
I was crying as I read what you wrote. Your Dad touched my life in such a profound way it is hard to express in words. He is my Spiritual Father. My heart is breaking as He is lying in the hospital. He is the most humble and gracious person I have ever met. He helped me to understand the Love of the Father. How do you even thank someone for that? He has inspired me to be like Him as a counselor. I want you to know Greg and I are praying fervently for Him and your whole family as you walk this difficult road.
Blessings and Prayers,
Tammy
September 11th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Pastor T,
I know that your faith will see you through this. However we are called to pray, and we will. However, as you know, we must pray for God’s will to be done and of course this will be done. It is a comfort to know that our LORD is too loving to be unkind to His children, and too wise to do something that isn’t perfectly according to His will.
I have lost my dad, however we never had what you had with your dad. It greives me not to have had that kind of relationship, but am always filled with joy and awe when I either see it or hear of it. My relationship with my sons is no longer existent. Here too, I look to someone like yourself and ponder what could have been.
What a blessing the LORD has given you in your dad! How he must have rejoiced when the prodigal was driven home!
Remember: “I will be glad and rejoice in Your love, for You saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.” Psalm 31:7 Go to Him, you who are weary and burdened, He will give you rest, for He is gentle and humble in heart. Then you will find rest for your soul. I know you are. We are praying for you for the burdens upon you at this time!
Remember that you are in His grip!
Craig Damanti
Easley, SC
September 11th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Dear Tullian:
I have not experienced your suffering, but I can imagine a little of what it is like. I join you and so many others in fervent prayer for your father’s recovery and in our hope for the resurrection.
September 11th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Dear Tullian,
Even the thought of losing my dad fills my heart with grief. I hurt for you brother, and it sure makes me hate the curse of death! Your dad sounds like a really amazing man. Laura and I will certainly be praying for his recovery.
Sam & Laura K.
September 11th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Pastor, our hearts and prayers are with you and yours during this difficult time.
September 11th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
This quote from D.L. Moody greatly encourages me when contemplating the death of a great saint: “Someday you will read in the papers that Moody is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now. I was born of the flesh in 1837, I was born of the spirit in 1855. That which is born of the flesh may die. That which is born of the Spirit shall live forever.” We love you and are praying for your entire family. May God’s peace overwhelm you.
September 11th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
The quote above from Moody reminded me of what Dr. Kennedy once said about his own death; remarkably similar thoughts from these two notable saints: “Now, I know that someday I am going to come to what some people will say is the end of this life. They will probably put me in a box and roll me right down here in front of the church, and some people will gather around, and a few people will cry. But I have told them not to do that because I don’t want them to cry. I want them to begin the service with the Doxology and end with the Hallelujah chorus, because I am not going to be there, and I am not going to be dead. I will be more alive than I have ever been in my life, and I will be looking down upon you poor people who are still in the land of dying and have not yet joined me in the land of the living. And I will be alive forevermore, in greater health and vitality and joy than ever, ever, I or anyone has known before.”
I do hope that your father makes a full recovery. Thank you for being vulnerable enough to share your heartache and your hope so publicly. The Gospel is true! Without it, how could we have hope in this world? To paraphrase Machen on his deathbed, “Thank God for the active and passive righteousness of Christ. No hope without it.” I will pray for your dad’s strength to increase, and for yours as well during this time of multiplied difficulties.
September 11th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Tullian, I feel like I know you as we love Aram so much.. we are praying for you and your family and your dad.. your words touched me so..
September 11th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
I lift you and your family up in prayer. I had the privilege of holding my mother’s hand when she passed from this world into that which is Perfect.
There is the wonderful scene in Lewis’ book The Last Battle where we find out the children are in the real Narnia now. So much to look forward to…
May you feel His presence and He be a Father to you as you may be sending yours to Him soon.
September 11th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Pastor,
We shall pray and then pray some more for your Dad and your family.
Grace and Peace,
The Audets
September 11th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
Tullian,
Thanks for the words of encouragement and for sharing the saddness you have felt in these past few days. It is comforting to know that death is not the end. You have quoted a Nineteenth Century Swiss minister. How appropriate in light of your father being such a wise minister to so many of us. I will quote a Twentieth Century sage from Hibbing Minnesota.
When you’re standing at the crossroads that you cannot comprehend
Just remember that death is not the end
And all your dreams have vanished and you don’t know what’s up the bend
Just remember that death is not the end
Not the end, not the end
Just remember that death is not the end
When the storm clouds gather ’round you, and heavy rains descend
Just remember that death is not the end
And there’s no one there to comfort you, with a helpin’ hand to lend
Just remember that death is not the end
Not the end, not the end
Just remember that death is not the end
Oh, the tree of life is growing
Where the spirit never dies
And the bright light of salvation shines
In dark and empty skies
Dylan at his best.
Your Dad walked into a very unusual family and brought calm, humor, encouragement and heaps of wisdom. What a privalege to have known him and observe the godly family he had led.
The Dallas Somervilles are praying.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:45 am
The kind of man that stirs the heart of so many different types of people is a rare phenomenon indeed. Only a gentleman of gentlemen whose speech is clad in wisdom and graciousness can by-pass class, culture and intellect. It has often been said that the quality of words a man speaks make up the sum of his life. For the good doctor those words not only define who he is, but have been far reaching in giving meaning and direction to the lives of many. I would also add that because those words were spoken with such a distinguishable accent, the hearers at many times became unwittingly disarmed - wonderfully and much to their own advantage. And what of the gentleness of spirit which those thoughts and expressions were so carried, as upon a pillow into the ears of the hard of hearing? Therefore, it has not been simply words that have been important to the man, but mastery in their application. He is keen and knows that a word received and embraced is better than a word simply spoken. Hand in hand the man has wielded both knowledge and understanding drawn from a deep-seated relationship with the Almighty God; a banquet not of his own making but one that has been eternally cultivated and prepared. Can such a life not impact so many? Even his son is a product of his accomplished and skilled tongue. With love every word has been administered to the young man, and with trust and respect those words have thereby been received from the elder. Thus when we hear the son we also hear the echoes of timeless guidance and counsel, and have too become the blessed beneficiaries. So much has been given therefore; it is our turn now to use words. May it the words of our prayers combined, united, and lifted up that upholds both the good doctor and his family as they have so faithfully done for us at this critical time.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
[…] Tullian Tchividjian says It is Not Death to Die! […]
September 12th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
To PGM
my sentiments exactly, I could not have said what has been in my thoughts and prayers any better than you have.
God is our provider in every way we can imagine.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. eph. 3:20
prayerfully yours paul
September 12th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
What fellowship of suffering we can have in the valley of Achor, (trouble) in the valley of the shadow of death, dear brother. I have never had to deal with the death of a close loved one. My wife has had to handle both the deaf of her sweet Christ loving mother and the untimely death of her older wayward brother. I do not know what awaits me, only that God is there already preparing the way. Truthfully though, what makes it hard for me is that my father is an atheist. I think about his encounter with death and with the God of death, and think that maybe he will trust Christ then, though now he is hard toward the Beloved and devout in his disbelief. It is both a scary and hopeful thought for me. How comforting to know that you and your father can rejoice ultimately in the fellowship of His Son regardless of his condition. And yet, no matter what the apparent condition of a soul at the present, we can always trust the mercy of our great God and Savior, even when one seems so lost.
God is gracious!
September 12th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Dear Pastor Tullian,
We an only imagine what you are going through right now. Your heart is understandably heavy, as no matter how old…we always need our parents “just a little longer.” But as always, you bring peace and shepherding to us with your experience. It is one thing to say and fervently believe that death is not dying because we have everlasting life through and with Christ…It is another to believe this–remember this–when facing the deterioration of a special loved one. Even in your pain, you are leading us and reminding us of the grace and embrace that the Lord has waiting for us at the end of this road. What an unspeakable comfort that is. Thank you for sharing, thank you for opening your heart to us.
You must know and please remember how many prayers are being lifted up for your dad and your family. You know he is in God’s hands, and there is, was, and never will be any better place to be. May God continue to bless you, as He has blessed us with you in more ways than we could ever express.
In Christ,
Ernesto & Melissa Vega
September 12th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Thanks for the posting, and the hymn. We will be playing the hymn at my mother in law’s funeral this tuesday.
September 12th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
[…] Tullian quotes It Is Not Death to Die. That song has been meaningful to me since this post a year ago. […]
September 13th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Pastor Tullian,
Pastor the Lord is doing a great work through you; the evil one is on the attack. God is shaping you into the man of God he wants you to be, be of good faith that God has a plan for you. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Ricky
September 13th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Dear Pastor Tullian:
Our family is praying for your father’s full recovery. There is such a close bond between a father and his son. I know how hard it was for my husband when he lost his father. We pray that God will extend to you more time with your father.
Also, we pray for your strength as the devil has been knocking on the door at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. You are a Godly man, who is doing the Lord’s will daily. We feel it here at the church, and at Westminster where there is a vast improvement in all areas due to your recent hiring of Dr. Orsino. Good move!!
I am in the choir and 100 percent behind you as our pastor. My whole family will be voting for your continued pastorship at our church. We will be fasting and praying tomorrow for you, Coral Ridge, Westminster Academy and Knox Theological Seminary. We know God’s power is sufficient. His will will be done!
We are sorry that you are being put through so many trials at once. Please know that most of the church is supportive of you. And remember “If God is for you, who can be against you!”
All the best to you, Kim and your children.
In Christ’s Love,
Janet Devers
September 13th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
I’m praying for your dad…
September 13th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
In the midst of a category ‘off the charts’ storm, you are setting an example that is to be reckoned with, and one that is a sermon unto itself. How blessed are we to bear witness to your testimony of faith and trust.
To God be the glory!
The Reviers
September 13th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Dear Tchividjian Family,
I join with countless others who pray for Dr. Tchividjian at this time. He walked me through the darkest days of my life, and through to a new life. I believe I would have died had it not been for his counsel and encouragement. He is a man for whom no descriptive word is sufficient. I have thanked God for him and for his wonderful counsel and faithful ministry so many times. I continue to pray for him now. May God support all of you in these difficult days, and may that dear, wonderful man be restored to you.
Barbara Monts
September 14th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
The day before my mother died, I cried out “God, how am I ever going to live without my mother?” God very clearly spoke to my heart. “Laura, she is in me, and I am in you. You will never be without your mother.” It really floored me and changed my whole perspective. This is true for all of us in Christ. When that day comes for you, and I pray it is a long and healthy way off, it will still be true. Your dad is in Christ and Christ is in you. You will never be without your dad.
September 15th, 2009 at 8:29 am
Tu Tu, You have Family-in-Christ here praying for all of you, as we have been since we met you. (Folks living in the cul-de-sac) (I live in SC now). I am very sorry you are going through this. Please find strength by leaning on our faith–that of your fellow Believers. All of you have been through so much, but your big family has helped my small family (me, brother Jim, Mom & Dad) more than you know! ..even your extended family has: you might have heard that Dad’s Mother was saved at a Ft. Lauderdale crusade with your Grandfather in the 80’s and one of our daughters attended one of Franklin’s alter calls in Charleston. The Lord has influenced us through many of you, and we appreciate the many good examples you and your family have set. Let us “carry” you now. Much Love Always!
September 16th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
[…] Tullian Tchividjian, pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church tells of visiting his father in hospital. “…this experience reminds me of the fact that life and the world we live in aren’t what they’re supposed to be. This isn’t the perfect world God created before we filled it with sin…” He quotes a hymn lyric which was new to me but is known to many others, It Is Not Death To Die. […]
September 18th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
I just wanted to say that a friend of mine sent this to me and it comes with perfect timing as I recently lost my 79 year old mother to cancer. She too was laid up in bed bloated and sick with tubes everywhere and I didn’t know if she had trusted Christ. I wasn’t able to be there with her in person which made this heartbreaking. I wrote her a letter to share the words of our loving God and the salvation He provides. She cried but was unable to speak in her pain, but my hope is that she has much like the thief on the cross trusted Him by faith and been accepted into paradise. The pain was immense and immeasurable. It was the biggest burden I have ever had to know that the one person in the whole universe who I came into being through was not here anymore. I thought I was going to be crushed by the pain. Yet, I cried out to the Lord He saved me from my turmoil and rescued me from the pit of my despair. I come from a family that is full of secrets, lies, deceptions and many burdensome sins. Yet, my father in heaven to whom I run, comforts and heals and helps - simply when I called to him. Doesn’t God show us how good he is in the midst of the most severe crisis? To Him be the glory!
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Hi Pastor Tullian,
We’ve never met, at least I don’t think so, but I knew your father. He was our marriage counselor about 14 years ago when I went through a tough divorce. I was determined to save the marriage, and he was determined to do all he could to help me. Unfortunately, my wife had other ideas, and it didn’t matter what either of us said to her. Through all that though, he was a true friend, someone who understood what I was going through, with kindness, wisdom, and understanding beyond words. We remained friends, having met and talked a number of times since my divorce.
He always had kind words for me, words of encouragement, words of faith. I know how hard this must be for you! In just my short meetings with him, I came to call him one of my closest, most sincere friends, and I can’t tell you how much I looked forward to our conversations! Having been raised by him, I can only imagine how hard it must be for you to think of living your life without him, even though we know that God himself watches over your father!
When Don Law, one of my closest friends and a member of Coral Ridge Church, sent me a link to this site, I began praying for your Dad. My family and I will keep praying for him, for a speedy recovery! We’ll pray also for you and your family. Above all, we will pray that God’s will be done. God has a plan for your father, and for all of us, and whatever happens we must accept for we know it is God’s will. I can’t help praying though, that God would choose to allow such a remarkable person and man of faith as your father to remain with us for a while longer!
September 28th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Pastor Tullian
Thank you for sharing the saddness that you are going through, I know it’s hard to see your parent , spouse. or siblings go through something this.I have been there three times. My heart goes out to you and your family, I am praying for your dad’ full recovery.
God is gracious