Botham

On September 6, 2018 Botham Jean was shot in his own home by an off duty police officer.  The trial for that officer began on September 23, 2019.  On that day, I was blessed to participate in the prayer service calling for justice for our brother Botham.  The circumstances of Botham’s death have troubled the hearts of many who now feel that an African American man can’t even be safe in his own home.  His death is also tragic in that he was a Christian full of life and potential.  He died just short of his 27th birthday.  Though Botham is dead, his voice has not been silenced. 

In Hebrews 11:4 the Bible says, “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.” 
Wow!  “Though he is dead, he still speaks.” 

Botham may be gone from this life, yet he still speaks.  His smile still speaks of his joy for the Lord and for life.  His hugs still speak of the love that he had for all, especially his brothers and sisters in Christ.  His kind spirit still speaks of his belief in the goodness of people.  And his voice still speaks of the goodness of God.  He glorified God through the gift of music and, more importantly, through his life.  Through his testimony of song, he still speaks.  Through his faith, he still speaks. 

We can have a testimony that outlives us.  By faith we are declared righteous in Christ.  God has gifted us, so we use our gifts for His glory.  We should live our lives in a way that leaves a legacy that outlives us.  Let it be said of us that by faith we offered to God a better sacrifice, through which we obtained the testimony that we were righteous, God testifying about our gifts, and through faith, though we are dead, we still speak.