Thought for the week: The sheer joy of being promoted to glory!
My most poignant memory of the year that has passed is November 5. The weather was terrible, with heavy rain and strong winds. That is my memory, but only because of the funeral that lay ahead.
A young man called Stephen Davison had died, just 38 years old, only five weeks after a cancer diagnosis. His parents are my friends; his father is a Methodist minister, and he also leaves behind his young wife and a sister.
The role of the pastor is to bring comfort and support to the family. But in such circumstances it is challenging, as during Stephen’s illness there were moments of hope, suddenly dashed when he died on Sunday, October 26. For his funeral service the church was packed. Stephen held a senior position in a UK-wide finance company, and a large number of his colleagues from the banking world were there.
Throughout his working life, each job change was a promotion. In preparing the tribute, I was reminded of the founder of the Salvation Army William Booth: when his wife Catherine died, their son Herbert said: "She has been promoted to glory" These words are now used at every Salvationist’s funeral.
While living in Portadown, Stephen gave his life to Christ, and his faith grew as he attended a youth fellowship at First Portadown Presbyterian Church. When I visited him in the hospital, hoping for the best, Stephen’s serenity was incredible. Whatever the future held, he remained confident in Christ.
Speaking at the funeral service and reflecting on the word “promotion”, I returned to the words of Herbert Booth, “promoted to glory”.
This story does not end here; Stephen’s boss has in the London office a large frame displayed, with only three words: “Promoted to glory”, so that the passer-by may ask, "What's that?" – a memory of Stephen Davison that might have a lasting impact, bringing hope to all who have a confident faith in Jesus Christ. We will meet you again, Stephen!