This church posts its weekly sermons, and regular viewership is around 20-30 views. The video above has 4,400 views. The one below has 1,200.
That's because these two messages are from Sgt. Jim Smith, who was recently shot and killed in his role as an Iowa State Trooper. People now know his name and are looking up what he had to say.
When I see these messages, it brings tears to my eyes and makes me think about life.
First, I see that Jim gave the "Act Your Age" message a month ago. No one ever thought as he was giving it that this 51-year-old man would be gone in only three weeks' time. We never know what the future holds.
Second, I think about the fact that as so many people mourn the loss of this godly man that it is so much different for him. Because he loved Jesus so much and had accepted Jesus' death and resurrection in place of his sins, Jim is now experiencing the utmost joy --- he is in the presence of God.
Third, I think about these views. When Jim gave these messages to his small-town church, I'm sure he expected maybe 50-100 people to hear him. I'm sure he never thought that his messages would reach thousands, and that thousands more would hear the gospel message of Jesus' sacrifice for all of us at his funeral. It makes me think of Ephesians 3:20-21, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen."
In the midst of heartbreak and turmoil, God is able to still use Jim and his legacy, immeasurably more than I'm sure he could have ever asked for or imagined.
I'm so sorry for Jim's family. I'm so sorry for all the people who loved him. But I'm thankful for a God that can redeem a terrible situation and use it to reach people for His glory. May Jim's family be proud that he is continuing to set an example even now.
