Rob Witham

We are witnessing the end of an era in American Christianity. Dr. D. James Kennedy died yesterday, September 5. Dr. Kennedy apparently suffered from complications of a cardiac event he experienced last Christmas. Dr. Jerry Falwell died just several months ago. These men, along with several others, served as public icons of conservative, American Christianity.

Dr. Kennedy has been an unwavering voice in evangelicalism for many years. Kennedy has been unapologetic about the need for salvation and rebirth.

I absolutely love this quote that is displayed on his memorial website. I can actually hear his deep, booming voice in my head as I read what he said.

“Now, I know that someday I am going to come to what some people will say is the end of this life. They will probably put me in a box and roll me right down here in front of the church, and some people will gather around, and a few people will cry. But I have told them not to do that because I don’t want them to cry. I want them to begin the service with the Doxology and end with the Hallelujah chorus, because I am not going to be there, and I am not going to be dead. I will be more alive than I have ever been in my life, and I will be looking down upon you poor people who are still in the land of dying and have not yet joined me in the land of the living. And I will be alive forevermore, in greater health and vitality and joy than ever, ever, I or anyone has known before.”

Dr D James Kennedy

How true that all is. For the Christian death is just going home. Our difficulty grasping that truth may have more to do with our complacency here in this world than with anything else. Would God that more of us could maintain a focus like Dr Kennedy expressed here - and mean it!

Several thoughts come to mind when I think about Dr Kennedy’s life and death.

• I am grieved to hear that this great saint is no longer with us. His death is truly our loss.
• I am reminded of the Psalm, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones” (Psalm 116:15)
• I am grateful for his legacy. I commented several months ago on the great legacy my grandparents have left for my family - a legacy of godliness and uncompromising commitment to their God. Dr. Kennedy leaves a similar legacy to those of us who follow behind him (Hebrews 12). Too few men and women finish well. We need to celebrate those who do.