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Friday, April 29, 2011

A righteous man . ..

An incredibly special man went home to be with Jesus yesterday. It's painful to watch a family you love hurt so much. And while we're so thankful that Brad's pain and battle is over, his absence is clearly felt.

Yesterday, as I sat and prayed for Brad, LuAnn and the family, I picked up my One Year Bible and read through the day's assigned passage. As I read through the New Testament portion, my heart stopped on two verses as I prayed.

"Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." Luke 23:46 - 47.

Brad's absence in painful. And I know we can't begin to understand the grief felt more intimately.

But as I thought on Brad, his heart, and his life, I thought how true these verses were.

Countless prayers have been uttered. Lives have been touched. Many have turned their eyes and seen so much of Christ's love reflected in Brad, his family and his life. I believe they too will be able to look on Brad's life, see Christ's reflection and say "This was a righteous man."

How thankful I am for the hope that is real in Jesus!

6 comments:

Marla said...

Beautiful post, Amber. We will miss him.

Klint & Sarah said...

Beautiful post...

Unknown said...

Amber, our hearts are with all of you. xoxo

mom Bahr said...

our hearts and prayers have been with you & Ryan as well as all of Brad's family and the Gramms during this difficult time. It is so hard to be so far away from all of you - we long to be there for you. Many others in Japan are also praying for you and his family. Your Bible verses were sent from God to comfort you as only He can. our love & prayers, mom & dad

Marcia said...

Hi Amber, Ray and I also send our sympathy to you and Ryan. It is so hard to see part of our church family go through such trials. Brad was such a vital part of our church. The service was wonderful and he would have been so pleased with the choir singing. We will continue to lift the family up in our prayers.

Amber said...

Thanks Marcia - I know the whole family appreciates everyones prayers and love they've shown!