Jeremy L. Berg

My blogging friend and brother in Christ, Michael Spencer, the Internet Monk, has gone home to be with the Lord tonight. I’ll bet he was hanging on to celebrate one more Easter Sunday on earth before he went to thank Jesus in person for his costly sacrifice.

I will miss Michael’s writings and voice greatly.  I am thankful for the past couple years where Michael’s voice was a special part of my life and ministry. He was a dear fellow sojourner helping me navigate the evangelical wilderness, and always pointing me toward a more Jesus-shaped Christianity.

Here are the words from Chaplain Mike from Michael’s blog:

With them, we mourn his passing.

With them, our tears fall.

With them, we express gratitude that Michael is at peace and no longer suffering.

With them, we cry out to God in pain because our suffering has just increased.

With them and with all creation, we groan, awaiting the day when this sad world will be put to rights.

With them and with all the saints, we put our trust in Christ alone, crucified, buried, risen, ascended, and coming again.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15). I have no doubt that Michael’s homecoming was a joyous celebration capped off with those words every disciple longs to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness” (Matt 25:23).

I am sure Michael is making plans as we speak to have the best coffee heaven can brew (or perhaps tea) with C. S. Lewis this week to probe deeper into the mind behind “Mere Christianity.”  I look forward to my own reunion, or first meeting, with Michael someday.  For now, we mourn the loss of our friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Denise and the rest of Michael’s family.

“We do not grieve as those who have no hope…”

1 Thessalonians 4:13