I came across a story about Leighton Ford, Billy Graham’s brother in law and fellow evangelist. He was traveling by airplane and found himself next to an empty seat. He was looking forward to the extra room when the stewardess appeared with an elderly woman, 96 years of age. “Mrs. ____ will be sitting here next to your sir.”
During the flight he asked her, “In 96 years what is the most important discovery you have made about life?” The woman boldly stated that it was that she knew Jesus Christ. Deciding to play devil’s advocate Leighton said, “That is not so great, what is so special about Him.”
Emotions arose, words flew, and arms flailed as this woman responded to his unbelievable statement. “Please maam, I was only kidding you, I too believe in Jesus, in fact I am an evangelist on my way to preach. In fact, I am the brother in law of Billy Graham.” “Who?” “Billy Graham, the evangelist.” “Don’t know him.” “He has been on television, you must have seen him.” “Must have been out that night.”
The next time Leighton saw Billy he described what happened and then said, “She didn’t even know who you were.” Billy responded, “Isn’t it wonderful that there are millions who don’t know who we are but they know our Jesus.”
Billy Graham was right. It doesn’t matter if people know us, but it does matter if they know Jesus. That’s the greatest privilege in life.
The Jesus we know and talk to every day is the Creator and King of all that is…the entire universe. What a privilege.
But Jesus wants our lost neighbors, relatives, friends, and coworkers to know him also. The real question is not how popular we are, but how much we’re doing to introduce others to Jesus.
What have you done today?
Pastor Steve Hogg
Leave a Reply