Another Jim Elliot

I don't know any story that has the impact on my life more than the one of Jim Elliot who gave up his life for an Indian tribe in Equador. A couple of weeks ago, another life was given up freely to his Savior. A teacher friend of my son-in-law, Tony McClean, was killed in a river in New Zealand along with 5 students. He died with a student with cerebral palsy tied to his back. He was not someone you would think the Lord would want to take-- He was a strong witness, was giving his life to missions and the students he taught. He was leading a revival of sorts in the lives around him. He was just about to propose to his girlfriend. But he shared that same type of sacrificial life we saw in Jim Elliot. He would rather have given his life up now--because he was already living fully for his Lord--if he knew he could have more impact on the lives around him by doing that. And that is exactly what happened. Thousands in that small country and beyond (obviously) have been in awe of his life and his death. Those who spoke at his memorial service and funeral spoke of his willingness to give whatever it took to glorify God. I want to have that kind of faith. In the words of Jim Elliot from a song by Twila Paris:

He is no fool
If he would choose
To give the thing he cannot keep
To gain what he can never lose
To see a treasure in one soul
That far outshines the brightest gold
He is no fool, He is no fool
He is no fool, He is no fool

Show me the fool who abandons his life
To walk in the steps of our Lord Jesus Christ

Oh, and when Tony's friends and loved ones came outside after his funeral, there was a perfect DOUBLE rainbow for all to see God's glory. Isn't God good?

"God, I pray thee, light these idle sticks of my life and may I burn for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life, but a full one, like you, Lord Jesus." (from a journal entry Jim Elliot wrote in college)