The news of John Stott is still fairly fresh. The few hours I have been awake have been spent thinking of & thanking God for all that he did and was.
Ranked by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the world, this position is clear by the many tributes from around the world already posted on Facebook and Twitter.
At his boarding school in Rugby, having heard a talk by the Rev Eric Nash entitled "What then shall I do with Jesus?", the 17 year old Stott knelt by his bedside and gave his life over to Jesus - he became a Christian.
His subsequent life was spent in the service of the Jesus he knew and loved. At Cambridge University, he became part of the CICCU (the Christian Union), and then later became ordained as an Anglican clergyman. Becoming Curate and then Rector of All Souls, Langham Place, John Stott stayed involved in his local church (just a short walk from where he was born) for the remainder of his life.
John Stott was known as a Pastor and a preacher. His ministry at All Souls saw a remarkable growth in size and influence of the church in the heart of London. However, through his writings and wider ministry as a theologian and scholar, he became known and loved throughout the world. To many, he was known as "Uncle John" - a term of endearment and affection for the lifelong bachelor.
For me, two of his books have stood out - "The Cross of Christ" is probably his greatest written work, where he defends and articulates the finished work of Jesus on the cross, the message we believe and preach. His contribution to the Bible Speaks Today series with his commentary on the book of 2 Timothy is probably the commentary I have read most and significantly appreciated.
In his final sermon, at the Keswick Convention, he chose to preach on "Becoming More Like Christ". What a choice! My mum who was there said it was fitting of the man that his final publicly preached words were an exhortation that pointed people to Jesus.
Sadly, I never heard him preach in real life. However, on a number of occasions I have visited All Souls, Langham Place. As I meandered with the crowds through for coffee after the service, the door was held open for the throng by Uncle John. In this simple act, he was un-recognised by many, but showed he was servant-hearted and humble to the core.
I'm told he never accepted second-helpings of food out of deference to those who had none. He was a man who mixed with the elite (he was the Chaplain to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II), but who didn't lose sight of the poor.
For the past few years, he has lived in a retirement home with other Anglican clergy. Yesterday afternoon, in the company of a number of friends, whilst listening to Handel's Messiah & having 2 Timothy read to him, he passed into the presence of Jesus. What a way to go!
I've spent the morning remembering the man, his influence and impact, but perhaps most significantly his godliness and humility. When he preached, his sermons had no wasted words. When he wrote, his books were pure gold. The way he lived, he spoke of a far greater treasure.
The temptation with the news is towards idolatry of John Stott. We must not do that and he would not have wanted that. John Stott was not perfect - he had his faults & flaws and in the midst of them, he trusted in Jesus to forgive them, and make him more like Jesus. Instead, we should be inspired by him, encouraged by his example and reminded that our lives are just a vapour - here one moment and gone the next. He would have wanted us to look to Jesus - to see Him, savour Him, share Him and sacrifice our lives for Him.
As I think about the life and death of Amy Winehouse and of John Stott, one is a life wasted and the other a life well spent. There is tragedy and grief in the passing of Ms Winehouse, and sadness and joy in the passing of Rev Stott. The difference between the two isn't just the comparative ages they died at, rather it is summed up in the words of the apostle Paul.
"For me to live is Christ, to die is gain."
Amy Winehouse lived for other things and her life is a tragic loss. John Stott lived for Christ, and his death is gain.
