The news is filled with tributes to Senator John McCain, who passed away after a battle with cancer. He was a war-hero and politician, a bigger-than-life character on the world stage. With a lifetime of service, the many honors paid him are well deserved.
John McCain stepped into the limelight when he followed his accomplished father and grandfather, both Admirals, into the Navy. As a pilot, he was shot down and seriously injured over North Vietnam. He endured six years of captivity, including torture, but refused to accept release ahead of other prisoners. He suffered lifelong disabilities and retired from the Navy.
Entering into politics, John McCain served two terms in the House of Representatives and five terms in the U.S. Senate. Though a conservative, he was known as a maverick, he angered many (including me) because he didn’t always side with his own party. His political career included two unsuccessful Presidential runs. His last years will be remembered for not voting with the Republicans to repeal Obamacare and for his feud with President Trump.
With all of his accomplishments and failures behind him, he won’t notice the lofty words being said about his life. He won’t be moved by the tears of his loved ones or the respectful tone of his political foes. It won’t matter to him who pays their respect as he lies in state, what songs are sung or how many flowers adorn his casket. You see, John McCain has gone to receive his reward or to pay for his sins. The issue was settled while he was alive and nothing can change the outcome now. If he hears “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Mat 25:21 KJV), he will be ushered into Heaven and won’t be thinking of this world. If he hears “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Mat 25:41 KJV) he will spend an eternity filled with pain and regret. Nothing on earth is more important than that event. He will be with the other 150,000 people who died that day, but He will only be listening for his own verdict.
There was another man who gave His life for others. Leaving splendor and power, He lived as a servant, taught those who would listen, healed the sick and raised the dead. The crowds thronged Him, but religious leaders rejected His teachings. He fed thousands, but others wanted Him dead. Foreigners recognized his authority and power, but he was criticized by His own people. Prophets foretold His coming, but scholars didn’t recognize Him.
Living a perfect life, His final tasks were to be wounded so we can be healed and die so we can live. He was mocked and reviled by those He came to save, but prayed “Father forgive them” (Luke 23:34 KJV). He rose again, so we don’t have to fear the grave. His Father loved Him but, “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” Someday He will be their Judge, but “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:16 and 18 KJV).
Wayne Lance (2018)