Bill Murphy, a long time friend and mentor, passed away June 24, 2023.

I met Bill at the passing of another long time friend and mentor, Earl Washington (who died June 18, 2007). And I was reflecting at the funeral about the fact that the end of one chapter (Earl living on this earth) began a new chapter (my connecting with Bill).

In like manner, consider the beginning of the following books of the Bible:

  • “After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua…” Joshua 1:1
  • “After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord…” Judges 1:1
  • “After the death of Saul, David returned…” 2 Sam. 1:1
  • “After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled…” 2 Kings 1:1

It’s as if God says that death is actually a new beginning. This, of course, is the central message of Christianity:

After the death of Jesus…

  • He resurrected
  • Our sins were paid for
  • All who come to Christ have been eternally set free

I mourn the loss of Bill (as well as Earl). But praise the Lord that this is God’s beginning.

After the death of Bill:

  • He is now eternally with Jesus
  • We who remain can reorder our own lives to consider how to run the race well
  • Etc.

Death is sad, but not the end. It’s God’s new beginning.