The Lord be with you
Rev. Howard Jones, a pastor in Anderson, SC, related this story to me back in 2009.
There was a retired couple in my Florida congregation who were active members. The wife had cancer a few years back, before I knew them, and it had come back with a vengeance. I visited them many times, in the hospital and at home, and our relationship grew very close. One night my family and I went out to dinner, and when we got home around 9:00 PM there was a message on my answering machine. It was the husband’s sad voice saying, “Pastor, we’re leaving for the hospital. No need to come. Just keep us in your prayers.” I was changing into my clerical shirt before the message was completed. When I got to the hospital room, the expression on his face told me she was near the end. Barely conscious, breathing shallow, I sensed she knew I was there. I don’t remember what Scripture I read to her, or what I said in the prayer. I do remember that I had my hymnal with me. As he held her hand and stroked her face, I gently sang “Beautiful Savior.” I believe these were the last words she heard as she closed her eyes for the last time. What a beautiful Savior received her into his waiting arms. I look back on it as a privilege.
Beautiful Savior, King of creation
Son of God and Son of Man!
Truly I’d love Thee, Truly I’d serve Thee,
Light of my soul, my joy, my crown.
Fair are the meadows, Fair are the woodlands,
Robed in flow’rs of blooming spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer
He makes our sorr’wing spirit sing.
Fair is the sunshine, Fair is the moonlight,
Bright the sparkling stars on high;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels in the sky.
Beautiful Savior, Lord of the nations,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, Praise, adoration
Now and forevermore be Thine!.
“Beautiful Savior, King of Creation” LSB 537
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor