“The Christian who contemplates death with joy is a living sermon.”

Charles Spurgeon

My beloved brother, Santos Rodriguez, went to be with the Lord today. Sadly, I was in Florida for a conference, far from my family. When my wife sent me the news via text, I immediately called her. Hearing the pain in her voice made the distance between us feel even greater. It was difficult knowing I couldn’t be there to comfort her in person. I kept the conversation brief, simply wanting to tell her that I love her and that I was sorry for being so far away. 

I didn’t know him well, but I know a bit of his story. Like all of us, he faced challenges and difficulties, shaped in part by the circumstances of his life. However, I noticed that, much like the Apostle Paul, when his physical freedom was limited, he found even greater freedom in Christ—regardless of his surroundings.

In Philippians 1, Paul was in prison when he wrote his letter to the church in Philippi. This letter is one of his “prison epistles,” written while he was under military guard. Despite facing an uncertain future and even facing his own death, Paul’s words overflow with joy and thankfulness. His imprisonment was not due to wrongdoing but because of his faithful preaching of the gospel.

Paul said in Philippians 1:12-14,

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Paul saw his imprisonment as an opportunity to advance the gospel. He recognized that his situation not only furthered God’s work but also inspired his fellow believers to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear. 

I remember hearing my brother in law’s voice and his perspective about his situation. Like Paul, he viewed his circumstances as an opportunity to share the gospel and make Christ known. He even had the chance to share the gospel with a Muslim, and his words of encouragement strengthened our family during our own struggles. His outlook on life—regardless of his surroundings—was a powerful reminder that our joy as believers in Jesus Christ should not be dictated by temporary circumstances.

As we prayed for him to be with us, there were moments when it seemed impossible. Yet, God answered our prayers, allowing him to be with us. We were grateful for the time we had to visit and speak with him face to face. We worshiped together, singing songs of praise, and even shared in the Lord’s Supper. Seeing his smile and the joy on his face filled my heart, reminding me that while the outer body may wither, the inner man is continually being renewed in Christ.

A time of mourning has come upon our family, yet as we grieve, we also remember and reflect on the goodness of God. God gave him a strength and resolve that was not of this world. No matter what was happening around him, he remained thankful, voicing his love for the Lord even in the midst of suffering. 

Despite his physical limitations, his love and care for us knew no bounds. When he spoke to us, he showed concern for our well-being, even as he endured his own hardships. I am convinced that I will see him again. On that glorious day, when we are all together with Christ, we will rejoice in one another’s presence, gazing upon the beauty and majesty of the Lord.

We love you, Santos Rodriguez. Your life was a living sermon, a powerful example of what it means to love the Lord despite life’s limitations and challenges. Thank you for your faith, your strength, and your love. We will see you soon.