My father-in-law is nearing the end of his time here on earth. He has been in the hospital for over a month, and has chosen to stop any aggressive attempts to prolong his earthly life. If he is here a few more days, he will be 89 years old. Either way, he is about to celebrate a new birthday in heaven.

A few days ago he spent some private time with his wife of 66 years and all four of his children. He spoke of his faith in Jesus in unwavering terms. He told his family how much he loved them. And he said he was ready to go to heaven. The next day he and his wife received the Lord’s Supper together. He and his family are confident that in God’s timing he will no longer be in this vale of tears with us, but in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

He served as a parish pastor for 30 years. He shared his faith weekly in the pulpit and daily in the community. And that continued in his retirement. He was and is confident that the life and death and resurrection of Jesus were for him. He has the benefit of everything Jesus earned for him. He spoke in no uncertain terms of his own sinfulness, but also of the overwhelming grace of God that covered all his guilt and makes him able to stand before God unafraid, covered with the righteousness of Jesus.

Earlier this year I shared a devotion that included the following hymn. I share it again now because I have witnessed it lived out in the life of the man I have known as “Pops” for almost 45 years.

Oh, for a faith that will not shrink Tho’ pressed by many a foe;
That will not tremble on the brink Of poverty or woe;

 That will not murmur nor complain Beneath the chast’ning rod,
But in the hour of grief or pain Can lean upon its God;

 A faith that shines more bright and clear When tempests rage without;
That, when in danger, knows no fear, In darkness feels no doubt;

 That bears unmoved the world’s dread frown Nor heeds its scornful smile;
That sin’s wild ocean cannot drown Nor Satan’s arts beguile;

 A faith that keeps the narrow way Till life’s last spark is fled
And with a pure and heavenly ray Lights up the dying bed.

Lord, give us such a faith as this; And then, whate’er may come,
We’ll taste e’en now the hallowed bliss Of an eternal home.
(The Lutheran Hymnal #396)

ADDENDUM:  I wrote this Friday afternoon. Shortly after I scheduled this to post, we got a call to return to the hospital. Very early this morning, “Pops” took his last breath here on earth and was welcomed into the presence of the Lamb of God who washed him and made him clean. He heard his Savior say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” We are grateful for the victory Jesus earned for him.