When I was a teenager, I met a wonderful man named Bill Smith. He was a senior adult at the church I attended and simply took the time to express genuine interest in me. Each time I saw him at church, he made a point to speak to me. Eventually, I began calling him Grandpa Smith. His wife Nellie became Grandma Smith.
They did not have any grandchildren, but in the years that followed my entire family adopted Grandpa and Grandma Smith. We also met and loved their daughter, Annette.
Bill Smith had been a world-class car salesman, earning awards and recognition at the national level. He was also an avid golfer — walking 18 holes every day except Sunday well into his eighties. But for most of his adult life, he was far more committed to serving the Lord and sharing the Gospel with everyone he could.
Grandpa Smith carried a Gideon Bible everywhere he went. He was always in good spirits and ready to share a Scripture verse with someone in need of encouragement or direction. In short, he exuded the kind of joy every Christian should exhibit.
Bill went home to be with the Lord in 2013. His daughter asked me to speak at his funeral, and then offered me anything from his estate that would have meaning to me. I asked for his beloved Gideon Bible. It is now one of my most cherished possessions.
Bill began carrying that Bible in 1967 — the year after I was born. He had notes in the front and back flyleaves, including a series of Bible verses to lead someone to salvation. But he also had notes that I reprinted in my booklet, “Looking Forward to the Reign of Jesus Christ.”
Here is what Bill Smith wrote as his own personal testimony:
- 2000 years – Adam to the Flood
- 2000 years – Flood to Christ
- 2000 years – Holy Spirit (Church Age)
- What time is it?
- How much longer?
- Our Lord may come sooner than we anticipate.
Grandpa Smith’s willingness to pour into a young man 53 years younger than him tell of a man secure in Jesus Christ and eager to pass his faith forward to another generation. His Gideon Bible and handwritten testimony demonstrate his eager anticipation of Jesus’s soon return. I believe with all my heart that his faith and his anticipation are inexorably linked.
Some would say that Bill’s hope was not realized. Unlike Simeon, he did not live long enough to see the Messiah with his own eyes. But that misses the point. He is now with the Lord and will live forever in His glorious presence. When Jesus comes for His Church, Bill Smith will rise from the grave and be given a glorified body. And, like Paul, He will be given a crown of righteousness, because he truly loved the Lord’s appearing.
I look forward to seeing Grandpa and Grandma Smith again. How much longer? Perhaps much sooner than we anticipate…
“…in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8)
My my best friend on this Earth and wife Jill went to be with the Lord way too early and I know that she is with the Lord. Although it has been over 3 years it is still absolutely devastating to be without her. I have always been concerned that Jesus said that we are not married in heaven but have never really understood what our relationship is. My wife and I always wanted to be together holding hands worshiping the Lord forever together.
Can you shed any light on this?
Scott, so sorry to hear about the loss of your wife, but rejoice that she’s finally home and you won’t be separated for too long.
In Matthew 22:30 Jesus said, “At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.” You’ll know and recognize your saved spouse(s) in Heaven, but no longer be married to them. Our spiritual marriage will be to Jesus Christ, so every other relationship will likely be more like siblings.
For more on what happens after you die, watch this short Inbox video at http://christinprophecy.org/sermons/the-inbox-19-what-happens-when-you-die/, check out the article http://www.lamblion.com/articles/articles_eternity1.php, and another on Heaven at http://www.lamblion.com/articles/articles_eternity2.php, and https://christinprophecyblog.org/2011/05/fhco-your-future-in-heaven-part-1/, or watch online our “Christ in Prophecy” series about Heaven at http://www.lamblion.com/television/programs.php#Heaven.
Just today I watched my taped “Prophecy Watchers” to see you, Tim Moore, as the program’s guest! I wanted you to know that you answered a question to which I had just not figured out the answer. Every time I begin to pray, I find myself crying, and couldn’t figure out why. You answered the question! I am so sorrowful to see my country gone, especially as a Navy veteran. And THAT is why I cry when praying. But you are right–this is Bible prophecy in the making, and I keep myself informed as to the biblical eschatology I see in the making every day. Pastor Andy Woods’ PPOV helps me keep updated on all the horrendous things that are happening in the world that can be found in the Bible I don’t know why I couldn’t see that before, but the Lord opened my eyes when I was watching you speak. When I finished watching Prophecy Watchers, I went online and found your story about Grandpa Bill Smith. Actually, I had read that before but I can’t remember when. I treasure the book you signed and sent to me when I became a prophecy partner with Lamb and Lion Ministries, and while I had bought my own copy, I gave it away and kept the one you signed.
Susan, so good to hear that Tim’s interview was a blessing to you! We so appreciate you partnering with us to proclaim the Good News and hope-filled message of the Lord’s soon return.