“Has the Pillar Moved?”

Oxford English Dictionary defines pillar figuratively as “a person seen as a source of support or stability; esp. one of the main supporters of some principle or institution, as pillar of the establishment, etc.; (more generally) a person who holds a position of public importance or respectability, as pillar of society, etc. Also: a person who possesses or displays some quality in an exemplary or steadfast way, as pillar of strength.”

This afternoon we will attend the funeral service for Dr. Jimmy Jackson. As I think of him, the term pillar immediately comes to mind. Brother Jimmy has been a faithful pillar in our family for over three decades. And for decades more he has been a faithful pillar in our community, denomination, and beyond.

I was awake much of last night thinking about his inestimable impact on our family alone. Scott and I were blessed to meet and marry under the teaching and shepherding care of Brother Jimmy. Through his godly example, biblical teaching, and wise premarital counsel he helped establish us on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, individually and as a couple. Just as Paul was Timothy’s “father” in the faith, Brother Jimmy is my family’s father in the faith (1 Tim. 1:2).

He stood with Scott and me at our wedding, leading us in our vows. He led and prayed over us as we dedicated our first child to the Lord. When we transitioned to a local church closer to our home, he remained an integral part of our family, regularly leading and counseling along life’s way.

The day our lives were shattered as our precious Sarah was killed, he traveled to Atlanta to be with our family, arriving only hours after. As a father knowing the deep sorrow of the loss of his child as well, he tenderly poured out biblical hope, wisdom, and counsel over us and all who attended her funeral and graveside services.

In the months following Sarah’s death, as sorrow upon sorrow threatened to consume our family, Brother Jimmy was once again there. He sat on our back porch with us as we poured our shattered hearts out to him. On the cusp of leaving our church home, we once again tearfully sought his counsel. He could have easily persuaded us to come back under his wing and shepherding care at his church, but instead, he asked a simple yet profoundly wise question that will forever ring in our hearts—”Has the pillar moved?”

The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people. Exodus 13:21-22 NASB95

With four words he effectively redirected our weary hearts and eyes from the tumult engulfing us to God’s faithful leading presence. Those four words have served as a vital compass for us ever since. So timely and indescribably impactful, they are forever etched on our hearts.

Brother Jimmy is a pillar because he faithfully followed the leading of the Pillar by day and by night; and because he made it his life’s mission to point others to follow the Pillar as well.

Brother Jimmy truly is—not was—a pillar. Though he died, he lives (John 11:25). And he still speaks, and will continue to speak, through the faithfulness of his life well-lived (Heb. 11:4).

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'” Matthew 25:21 ESV

Artwork: Sarah Harmening