Dad: To God Be the Glory

On Friday, April 23, 2021, not too long after midnight, Paul S MacDonald left this earthly life behind and went home to be with his beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. In doing so, he left a world of physical weakness and pain, where the effects of this life on his body had slowly degraded his ability to pursue his loves of haying, singing, visiting friends and family, and most importantly, spending quality time with his dear wife. He now rejoices in the presence of God, while we who are left behind experience the mixed emotions of sadness and joy. Sadness for the loss of his companionship, yet joy for the end of his suffering and his home-going to heaven.

Although his suffering and decline had been long and slow, his death was sudden and unexpected. “His mind was as sharp as ever,” was a comment often made by those who spoke with him in recent months. “When given ample time, he communicated just fine.” It was easier to do so in person than on the phone, folks said, but either way, time granted was rewarded.

In the days since his death, tributes and condolences have flooded in from relatives, friends, former students, colleagues, friends of family members–the love, encouragement, kindness, and prayer offered by so many have come in abundance. I would say it is unlike anything I have ever seen, but that would be untrue, for I have seen this twice before. I saw this when Sally MacDonald died in 1987. She was Paul’s first wife, mother of their 5 children, of whom I am the youngest. I saw the flood of kindness again two years ago when my wife was hospitalized and nearly died from influenza and pneumonia.

However, now that Dad is gone, it is SO encouraging to hear what I’ve long suspected: His testimony and life to the grace and mercy of God have indeed touched countless lives with gospel truth. I cannot tell you how many people have written in the last few days and said, “Had it not been for your dad, I never would have come to faith in Christ.” I’ve lost count! Glory to God! Indeed, that is one of Dad’s favorite hymns:

To God be the glory, great things he hath done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
Who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that we may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear his voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
And give him the glory, great things he hath done!

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood!
To ev’ry believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus forgiveness receives.

Great things he hath taught us, great things he hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

I miss Dad. I loved him very, very much. I will see him again when I join the heavenly throng, but I miss him for now. This hymn typified Dad’s life. May it be the same for me, and may God receive all the glory!

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