The Passing of Dr. William S. H. Piper

I learned late Tuesday night that John Piper's father died. A friend emailed me the news. As a result of his father's passing, Piper wasn't able to speak at the Wednesday evening session of the Shepherd's Conference and so John MacArthur asked our friend CJ Mahaney to serve in his place. Appropriately, CJ preached on humility. From Tim Challies' account, it sounds as though he did an outstanding job. I only wish I could have been there to hear him.

This morning I finally had the chance to read John Piper's journal entry on the death of his father. I read it and quietly cried. I cried because it so perfectly captured the normalcy and poignancy of the moment. I cried out of gratefulness to God for Dr. William S.H. Piper who raised a son who has so mightily served the Savior--I want to raise my boy to love the gospel like him. And I cried as considered my own father and how dearly I love him.

Find a quiet spot and read "Hello, My Father Just Died." It will be good for your soul as you consider the humbling end we all will face.

One day I'll say goodbye to my father. One day I'll breathe my last breath.

Because of the same glorious Jesus Christ who John Piper and his daddy trust in, those days will not be without hope.

(HT: Justin Taylor)