When the occasion seems appropriate, we are willing to depart from the usual Biblical message to recognize certain individuals who have been a blessing to those of us in this ministry. Tonight, May 31, 2008, I received news of the passing of Jacob Roll, known to many of you who have been with us for a long time.

Jacob was an elder in our church and a spiritual giant. Humble and meek in demeanor, he stood courageously for Biblical truth. Jacob and I made our journeys into grace together several years ago, and what an exciting journey it was! I can remember occasions when Jacob would be studying a Bible passage and call me in great excitement to share a new and deeper understanding granted to him by the Spirit. Jacob and I sat together in a session held by Albert N. Martin during our first Ligonier conference as pastor Martin spoke on “Called to Account” and presented powerfully the twin doctrines of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Both of us, for the first time in our lives, emerged from that session trembling.

Jacob and his wife Mary began attending the earliest studies in theology I held at our church, originally designed for college students, but attended increasingly by older adults. We studied together through the Westminster Standards for a year, and that was but the beginning. Jacob and Mary enthusiastically supported Engedi Ministries both by their contributions and their faithful attendance at all our classes. He read voraciously and deeply into theology and became quite well informed and quite willing to defend the truth of the doctrines of divine grace.

Jacob was a dear personal friend who shall be deeply missed. I shall not forget that he attended the funeral services for both of my parents, making a 900-mile round trip on those two occasions. When I informed Danny Hale of his death, his comment was, “He is now standing in the immediate presence of God and experiencing great joy!” Jacob lived a full life and would have been ninety-five in a few days. God blessed him abundantly and used him to be a great blessing to others. The loss to the kingdom here is a gain to the eternal kingdom in heaven.