We Mourn, We Rejoice

A good friend of the Answers in Genesis ministry passed away last week, and the memorial service is being held today. John Cook, Sr., founder of the well-known company Cook’s Pest Control in the southeast part of the USA, was a big Creation Museum booster and someone known as a keen Bible student and teacher.

His wife Jo sent us an email a few hours after her dear husband’s passing. Here are some excerpts for–yes—your encouragement:

My beloved husband, John Robert Cook, was ushered into heaven this morning, February 27 at 1:57 am.

The Bible assures us that death is not untimely, God has appointed a time for each of us to die. (Ps 139:16)

Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord—for we walk by faith, not by sight—we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:6–8)

God granted him life from his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in November 2006 to February 2009 . . . 2 years and 3 months. Those were good productive years. John struggled with his desire to stay here, do ministry and get some [projects] done (He did get some of them accomplished), and the prospect of being with Christ.

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. (Phil. 1:21–24)

I know there will be tears and frustrations at times but I determine to focus on the Word and as Paul put it “straining toward what is ahead.” After all, my Heavenly Father has promised that His grace is sufficient and He still has a plan for my life.

We, my family and I, thank you for all your prayers, your emails, cards, hugs, visits, and food. We have been blessed by you and we thank you and the Lord for walking with us through this journey.

I know there are many non-Christians who read my daily blog. I trust this reminder of the fact we are all under the death penalty will cause each of you to consider carefully where you stand in regard to eternity. Even though we mourn Mr. Cook’s passing, we rejoice knowing he is with the Lord, and those who have put their faith and trust in Christ for salvation will see him again.

I urge you to read an outline of the message of salvation on the AiG website.

Devotion

Yet to see

(Matthew 8:2–3) And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

The world has yet to see what the Lord Jesus Christ can do through a man who trusts Him without reservation, asking Him for what has never been done.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,

Ken