“I am not going to Heaven because I have preached to great crowds or read the Bible many times. I’m going to Heaven just like the thief on the cross who said in that last moment: ‘Lord, remember me'” (Billy Graham).

It felt like a blow directly to my heart when I saw where Billy Graham had passed away this morning at 99 years of age. He had been such an icon and presence in my formative years. I guess part of me thought he’d be like George Beverly Shea and live to at least 100.

But I believe God decided it was time to welcome his servant home.

I’m sure right now that millions of blog posts and Facebook posts and other social media outlets are heaping praise on Rev. Graham right about now. I’m also just as sure that Billy himself would have deflected such praise, saying that he was a sinner saved by grace and used by God in spite of himself. He would point to Jesus as the real hero of the faith.

He started his ministry 80 years ago, faithfully preaching the salvation of Jesus Christ as found in the Word of God. He never wavered and never faltered morally. He wasn’t perfect and would himself admit to many failings, but he persevered in presenting the gospel of the Jesus Christ who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Right now, he’s free from every ache and pain. He’s free from the symptoms of Parkinson’s. He’s reunited with Ruth and all of his other friends and fellow Crusade co-workers.

Best of all, he’s seeing for the first time face to face the Jesus he preached about all those many years. He’s hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Thank you, Billy Graham. There are millions and millions of people (including me) who echo the words of the old song and say, “Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave” (Ray Boltz).