When Chuck Colson died this past Saturday, tributes poured in from all over the web. In his eighty years, Mr. Colson had an impact on many people – both personally and from a distance. His story of transformation following the Watergate scandal is one of the most well-known examples of how the grace of God can radically alter a person’s life. His work with prisoners and their families turned his time in jail from a unfortunate footnote to a touch point for what would become his life’s work.
Of all the tributes that poured in for Mr. Colson, one in particular struck my heart. Upon hearing of his death, Dr. Russell Moore sent this tweet:
“I have to believe Mr. Colson just heard a Galilean voice say, ‘I was in prison and you visited me.'”
Dr. Moore is, of course, referring to Matthew 25:31-40 in which Jesus tells His disciples that “What you did to one of the least of these my brothers” including providing clothes & food, and going on prison visits, “you did to me.”
For anyone who knew anything about Chuck Colson it was clear that the work he did with prisoners was done on behalf of Christ.
And it made me think, when I arrive at eternity’s gates, what will the Gailean voice say to me?
