This was a letter written by Jack's sister Margaret and her husband Henk, and they wanted to share it with you all here on the blog as well.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *Dear Family,
We have each experienced the ALS journey of our beloved, (husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend) in our own way. Your readers have followed along here on the blog. As sister and brother-in-law we continue to pray through the journey with our dear Jack. How fond the memories of love are of precious times we spent over the years we shared together while in excellent health. The spiritual times we shared these past few years in our brother’s home have been a deep blessing to us. We have shared in the love of our Lord together.
We are touched by Jack’s efforts to continue to share his heart with us along this journey. We are so grateful for the help and technologies the Lord has provided to assist Jack in remaining an invaluable member of our family. We can’t truly understand what he is suffering trapped as he is with a healthy mind in a deteriorating body. We grieve his losses without experiencing what Jack is experiencing. Recently we heard a sermon from Hebrews 2:17 & 18 that explains the comforting doctrine that Our Lord Jesus Christ is just like we are. You will be blessed by these words too, dear family (click HERE FOR LINK). The pastor explained the blessing that our Savior is now in heaven in human flesh and blood. We have a beating heart on the throne of the universe! He is the sympathetic High Priest. He understands what each of us is experiencing even what Jack is experiencing. No, our Lord did not Himself have ALS. He does, however know perfectly with experiential knowledge what His people suffer.
Another sermon you will each find helpful is on the anointing of our Lord. He is eminently qualified and completely willing to be our Lord and Saviour. These words come from Isaiah 61. CLICK HERE FOR LINK. This message is so very encouraging for needy sinners. There are times when Jesus informs inquirers that He is not going to bless them according to their particular petitions. Think of John the Baptist, asking, “Is He the One who should come?” You may remember Christ’s answer – He told the disciples of John to tell him what Jesus is doing – the blind receive sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the poor have the gospel preached to them. Then the Lord says, “Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” Why might John be offended? Read Isaiah 61 and notice what is missing from Christ’s answer. John did not receive the words, “Proclaiming liberty to the captive, the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” This is what John wanted to hear. The Lord had a different plan.
Often, we have prayed, Lord, change the circumstances. Heal our beloved brother. Give him back his speech. Let him walk again. The Lord has a different plan. May we each have our faith increased to trust that Our Lord has a better plan. The prophet Habakkuk expressed this no matter what faith. We need this so much. (Habakkuk 3:17-19) Our brother, Jack, has expressed this faith. May God give him and each one of us the grace to say and believe I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation- no matter what!
Our family is nurtured by the Word of God. How very grateful we should be for this undeserved privilege.
With love and gratitude Margaret and Henk
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