Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of the passing of Dr. James Montgomery Boice. A true solider of the cross, who even though I was only able to meet once, has had a profound impact on my own life and ministry.
Back when we were just trying to get conferences on Reformed Theology going in this area, Dr. Boice not only agreed to come (a promise he could not keep due to his health – he was diagnosed very shortly after) – but said to me – “Rochester! That’s only about 5 hours away, you wouldn’t even need to get me a plane, I could drive.” He was so excited to come. And had absolutely no sense of how generous that was, nor impactful his willingness remains to be to me.
I wrote this at the the time of his passing – and bring it back out. It is good to remember those who have blessed us.
The Gentle Warrior sleeps at last
Now shed this mortal coil
And wakes, anew in Christ’s blest arms
Full finished this life’s toil
And there, he bows, before the Throne
Of Christ he loved so dear
And marvels at the angels’ songs
He’s yearned so long to hear
In waves of glorious rapture swells
Convulsed with boundless joy
He weeps and sings and worships there
At beauty unalloyed
The vision of His God unveiled
Fills every livened sense
The Holiness of God now seen
Ecstatic reverence
The mind filled more than ever dreamed
Divinities laid bare
Transcending all he’d loved and spoke
His all – His Christ is there!
No shadows found in any room
No darkness anywhere
He flies from each new wonder, then
To more beyond compare
“He’s greater still!, He’s greater still!”
Is all his lips can say
As each unfolding moment brings
Him more of Heaven’s Day
In this his soul is now employed
Imbibing Heaven’s store
Till all who fell asleep in Him
Shall rise to die no more
The Gentle Warrior sleeps till then
His battles fought and won
In sweet repose upon the breast
Of Christ, the Blessed Son
In Loving memory of Dr. James Montgomery Boice, Who went home to be with His glorious God and King on June 15, 2000