Precious

Names

William Shakespeare, in his famous romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet, contemplates the importance of names as mere titles. However, names seem to be far more than that. Many names are going to always cause you to immediately think of certain individuals, while some other names will cause you to begin to think about just how many people you know who have that name. A couple of common names like John or Michael probably make numerous appearances in your contacts app. But these names are connected with individuals, acquaintances, friends, and family, including the people who you love and admire the most.

However, not all names are common. My maternal grandfather was named Reford. That is not a typo that was his name. It is also not a nickname. Reford was his actual middle name and the name he used in everyday life. I bet you have never met anyone else named Reford. Less common names like this are memorable. In today’s post I want to remember two dear saints who have gone on to be with Christ this last week who had unique names and were special people.

Voddie

Last Thursday, September 25th, Voddie Baucham Jr. died at the age of 56 years old. I had the opportunity to hear him preach at a few conferences of varying sizes over the years. I was also greatly helped through his teaching ministry online and through his written work.The greatest exposure to his pastoral and bold teaching came when he gave a series of lectures at Grace Bible Theological Seminary around 2018.  Voddie was both courageous and compassionate. What most impressed me about his ministry was his tenacious commitment to the scriptures.

One thing that is difficult to quantify is the impact of these people who have influenced and affected our lives even though we really had no personal relationship with them. Men such as Voddie Baucham and John MacArthur didn’t know me, but I had consumed enough of their teaching, preaching, and writing that I felt that I knew them even with the relationship being completely one sided. For people like me, I am grieved for the family and friends of this dear brother and of course thankful for the promise and hope we have because of God’s amazing grace, but it is a distant and strange kind of mourning.

Bronwyn

The second person I would like to remember in this post has had a far more profound impact on my life. Bronwyn King passed away last Friday evening, September 26th. Bronwyn’s life was marked by many things. She was a hard worker both in the service of the church body and in the realm of civic engagement. Alongside her husband, our brother Bob King, she could be found participating in boards, meetings, and initiatives all over Searcy County. All of this community involvement was motivated by her gracious and generous spirit. She was a true servant willing to give altruistically for the good of other people. 

But even more amazing to me was her kindness and joy. I can hardly think of a time when she wasn’t smiling. Her kindness poured out in a spirit of hospitality and care. Bronwyn’s happy demeanor was infectious. Her life is a true example of receiving the good gifts of the Lord as the blessings that they are. As her pastor, I can testify that Bronwyn was a great encourager through all circumstances and quick to give grace and even praise when it probably was not deserved. 

Bronwyn’s joy endured even through these last two years of declining health. As our gracious Lord poured sweet and precious peace on Bob and Bronwyn through those long days. It was amazing to witness the goodness of God toward them. This blessing was nothing short of miraculous.

So as I think about these and other dear saints who we have lost in recent weeks and months, especially our sister Bronwyn, I am captivated by the Psalmist words in Psalm 116:15-19. So I will end this post encouraging you to meditate on these words.

Psalm 116:15-19
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

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