Message for Scotty Vanderzwaag

It is the goal of almost every person to leave a lasting impact on the lives of those we come in contact with. Listening to the Memories of the family and friends here, that is what Scotty did almost unconsciously. Looking out across the faces of everyone here this evening, it is easy to see the impact that he left on each of you. Though I never recieved the blessing of meeting Scotty, There are some things that I do know about him from talking to the family and because, and from knowing personally how the Grace of God can use a person.

God formed Scotty perfectly to accomplish all that was planned for Scotty’s life.

Psalm 149:14 “I will praise Him, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made”. As we think back on our lives and consider all that we have been through, the trials, the setbacks, the victories the joyful times - we can see how God has used each of these to mold us and to make us into the person that we are now.

Jeremiah 1:5 KJV 1900

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Notice what God is saying here to his prophet. He says “before I formed thee”. God is telling us that our life is no accident, instead he actively participates in forming us, molding us into the image that will best show the world his love, his grace and his glory. Just as God molded Jeremiah in our passage, we can be sure that he did the same for Scotty and for each of us.

Psalm 149:14

God used Scotty to be a blessing to those who came in contact with him.

Isn’t it interesting how some of the things that annoy you the most, is also some of the things that you miss the most. I was speaking to Dan and Reagin yesterday and asked them what some of the things that they remembered the most. They said he would get this mischievous grin, and then throw things out the window! I am sure that when this would happen, it usually did not cause you to look on him with Joy. But looking back now, I bet you can almost see that grin as you reach down and protectively hold on to your car keys! We learn a-lot from a man like Scotty. We learn patience, unconditional love and acceptance, and how to appreciate the simple pleasures in our lives.

God’s Grace brought Scotty safely into his presence.

Ephesians 2:8 KJV 1900

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

It is through God’s Grace that we are made, through his Grace that we are used, and through his Grace that we are offered the free gift of salvation. While there is not out right bible passage that speaks specifically to those like Scotty, The principle that those who are unable to make a conscious decision to except this Gift are covered under the abundant Grace of Christ. We find this principle in 1 Samuel when the child that was born to David and Bathsheba dies. David says

2 Samuel 12:23 KJV 1900

But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

2 Samuel 2:23 KJV 1900

Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.

Here David is speaking of one who was unable to make a conscious decision about God, therefore David knew that in God’s Mercy and Grace that the child would be in the Presence of God. Does that mean that the baby was innocent, no. Children sin. They lie, they cheat, they covet. But in God’s Mercy, the child would be not held accountable and his sin would be covered in Grace. I believe this principle includes all those who do not have the ability to make a conscious decision for Christ, therefore I do Believe that even now, Scotty is with His savior in heaven. He has no more pain, no more tears, no more heart ache. If only we could see what he is seeing right now, experience what he is experiencing at this moment. If he could say anything to you at this moment, I think he would express his desire that you would join him one day in the presence of Christ, experiencing his saving Grace in this life, and the joy that God has promised to his own in the life to come.

If you will, Join me in prayer.