By K. Ray McDowell

 

The Rev. Dr. Billy Graham laid in state at the Capital rotunda in Washington D.C. this week. One of only four American civilians to do so. The only religious leader to have this honor. He made Gallup Poll’s annual list of the “Top Ten Most Admired Men” 61 times, more than any other individual. He counseled presidents, preached to millions, and reached around the world with his message of hope. He was referred to by many as “America’s pastor”. He was a great man.

Some have suggested that there will never be another like him. That statement misses the point. Will there ever be another American evangelist to draw the attention of the nation as did Dr. Graham? Not likely. But that has more to do with the change in our culture than with the caliber of today’s Christian messengers.

So, what is the point? I believe Dr. Graham himself would say that it was never supposed to be about the messenger – but the message.

A.W. Tozer wrote, “One of the greatest tragedies that we find, even in this most enlightened of all ages, is the utter failure of millions of men and women ever to discover why they were born.”

Dr. Graham’s life was dedicated to preaching to that need.

You and I were born to be in relationship with our Maker. God loves us and desires a relationship with us. Jesus makes that possible. In Him we find our purpose, our reason to be. Messengers from the beginning of time have worked at delivering that message. Dr. Graham was one who faithfully did the same. He was a great man…with a greater message.

K. Ray McDowell is the Lead Pastor of First Church of the Nazarene in Orange Texas. To learn more about OFCN go to www.ofcnazarene.org or our Facebook page.