Graduation

Barbara Jo was born on January 14, 1929 in Kellogg, Idaho. Trapped in a nursing home by Covid-19, depressed and unable to leave her room for months, she wasted away to a mere 75 pounds before finally reaching earth’s finish line at the age of 91.  Fortunately, her life was not defined by her death.

B.J., as she was known by many of us, worked as a bank teller and as a cashier at the Bible Book Nook and then raised two daughters, Vicki and Norma with her husband Norm.  Norm died in the early 80’s of a heart attack and B.J. much later married Don.  He too would pass well before her. 
            
What made my aunt an exceptional woman was the day she met Jesus as her Savior.  Her life was never the same.  Profoundly changed by the Lord, she soon encouraged her brother, my father, to give his life to Christ.  She was an encourager.  She was gracious.  She was fun to be with and she was kind to a fault.  When I could not return as a cadet at West Point to my own family in the Philippines for Christmas, she welcomed me to her home in Coeur d’ Alene.  She often wrote me while I was far from any relatives in New York.  She sent gifts and more importantly, prayed faithfully for me as she did for all her friends and family. How wonderful it will be to see her again whole and redeemed in heaven!
 
Meditation
Acts 9:36—In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. She was always doing good works and acts of charity.
 
           
 B.J. reminds me of Dorcas.  But when Dorcas died, God decided it was not her time yet to graduate.  The Apostle Peter, was used by Him to raise her from the dead. When he presented her to the saints and widows, imagine the shock and joy they experienced! Think of how rapidly the story of her miraculous return from the dead must have leapt through the community.  Her good works and generous heart impacted countless lives.  She made robes and clothing for those in need.  She was a light.  All who were devastated by her passing no doubt threw one long party at her revival.  They praised Yahweh, the Maker of life.  
            
Have you ever asked someone what’s on the other side?  What happens when you die?  It is a great question that naturally opens up opportunities to share the gospel. B.J. wanted people to know the One who transformed her life. So did Dorcas. And so should we.  Graduation from death is a victory and celebration for all whose faith is in Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior.  Let’s tell His story so others can experience the best kind of graduation.
 
Inspiration
God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.—Max Lucado

©2020 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)