Clyde Taber
I am very saddened by the loss of an excellent man and devoted servant of Christ. I met David when I was a missionary speaker at St. John’s in Bakersfield.David was always encouraging and interested in our work. It was always clear to me that he loved people and loved Jesus and his kingdom.I know he is warmly embraced by his Savior.Now his absence is deeply felt.I don’t like the grammatical transition from present to past tense.Just a short time ago we could say, “David is gentle. David is kind. David is generous. David is caring.What happened many generations ago on craggy hill changes what we can hope for today. Well before he made the long journey to the cross, Jesus said to Martha, who was grieving her lost brother… “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” (John 11)Jesus said to David, “Because you believe in me you will live even though you die. I am your resurrection and your life.”David is a new creation. In Christ, he is clothed with the righteousness of God.That leads us to a great hope. David still is gentle. David is still kind. David is still generous. David is still caring.This is truer than we can ever imagine because his flaws, his flesh and his weaknesses are now perfected.I look forward to seeing you and embracing you again David.