Life assurance

God gives us blessings of home, spouse, children, and financial resources. But his most important blessing is his promise of heaven.

Jennifer N. Heins

He seemed to be just your average insurance salesman. He was good looking enough to hold your attention. His friendly small talk and knowledge of his company’s products could convince you to purchase additional coverage. He was just another successful agent, working long hours to keep his family well housed and put his kids through college.

A life on earth

Gordon Graham was tall, blonde, and handsome, with a smile that made you think he won the lottery. He had this way of listening and caring and telling you what his company could do for you. Gordy worked tirelessly for the family he adored, purchasing a beautiful home on the edge of a lake and helping his three children complete their educations. But he was anything but your average insurance guy.

Last month my faith was strengthened attending the funeral of this “not so average” salesman. Friends and family shared stories of his commitment to Christ. Their stories told of a man who had his priorities straight. Those who shared their stories remembered that Gordy started his morning with his Bible and his Lord. He would then greet his wife of 40 years with a hug. His son shared how time for his children came before the job to sell life insurance products. Yes, he was passionate about doing his job well, but family was more important. This insurance agent knew not what, but who, was the most important in his life, and it was obvious in how he lived his life.

A life in heaven

The church was packed with those who knew and loved Gordon Graham. But not everyone knew Gordy’s first love. They knew his smile, his ease with people—the friendly insurance salesman. But he had one last comment to make to those who came to pay their respects. He selected some words of our ever-loving God, words to be read by the pastor leading the worship service. “But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior’ ” (Isaiah 43:1-3).

He sold term life to my husband and to many others. He often convinced businesses of the need to protect their employees. But at the service that marked his death and entrance into his heavenly home, he shared the greatest truth. Life insurance is something you buy; life assurance is something that was bought by Christ. That life assurance brought comfort and direction to his life here. It was an assurance bought with Jesus’ blood and verified with his resurrection.

While Gordy lives in peace with his Savior, we remain on this earth, dedicated to telling others of this greatest of gifts—Jesus’ redemption of us. We want to be with Gordy and all the saints who rest from their labor (Revelation 14:13). By God’s grace our assurance is clear: “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered” (Romans 4:7).

Now that’s the kind of coverage we all need!

Jennifer Heins is a member at St. Paul, North Mankato, Minnesota.

Author:Jennifer N. Heins
Volume 104, Number 5
Issue: May 2017

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