REFLECTIONS
March 16, 2008
 
 
“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 13:34
 
 
Character of a Man
 
John gave Martha a warm kiss on her forehead each morning when he came to visit. Then he saw that her hair was neatly combed, her teeth were brushed and her bed freshened. All the while he kept up a chatter that told her all that had happened the day before. He missed sharing the days with her the way they once had, but even as her health diminished over the years, his love for her had deepened and grown.
You may recall this story of everlasting love told previously through Martha’s eyes.[1]  In the story, Martha was fictionalized by overstating her true condition and disguising her real name. But John’s name was not disguised nor his dedication overstated. It was his caring and love for Patsy (Martha’s real name) that inspired the story that was told.
John Rose seemed like an ordinary man. He lived a life that would not draw much notice even in the quiet of the small town where he lived, but a deeper look reveals that there was much to note. And most notable was the way John cared for and loved Patsy. He had his human shortcomings like other ordinary people, but those were overshadowed by his attentiveness to Patsy and his kindness to others. It was through those qualities that John depicted the teachings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. “Love one another.”
Since we first told this story of everlasting love, John has been called to his eternal home. He left behind a wonderful family and some dear friends among which I consider myself. And as I reflected on the life of John Rose, I was reminded of the words of Dr. J.R. Miller, a bestselling Christian author of his era. He wrote, “The only thing that walks back from the tomb with the mourners and refuses to be buried is the character of a man. What a man is survives him. It can never be buried.”[2]
Who John Rose was survives him. His life made a lasting impact on the world around him. His heartfelt love of those close to him deepened and grew throughout his life and it will live on to touch lives in ways unimaginable. Like the love of Jesus, it will endure for generations.
John’s life fulfilled a goal we all should seek. He reflected the love of our Savior.
 
“You are the light of the world,”
Richard Ì
 

www.reflectingthesavior.org.


[1] Reflections, In Sickness and Health, www.reflectingthesavior.org.
[2] John MacArthur, Twelve Ordinary Men, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishing 2002) p.47

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