Larry Burkett dies on July 4, 2003

My Tribute to Larry Burkett
Four words came to mind as I grappled with the loss of a man who so impacted the life of me and my family and millions of others. Larry Burkett. Our friend. Our teacher. He truly celebrated his Independence Day on July 4, 2003 and now is experiencing freedom beyond that which he taught for so many years.

Sacrifice
Thanks to Larry, Judy and the Burkett family for their sacrifice of their time, their gifts, and their resources from all of us in the body of Christ. Thanks for not hoarding your time or your wisdom. You shared selflessly! Because of your sacrifice and living lives of self-denial, countless numbers of others will live fruitful lives for Jesus Christ . Larry- because of your life of service and servanthood our Father is honoring you! He put you in charge of little—you were faithful. He put you in charge of much—you were faithful. Now you are sharing in your master’s happiness! Well done good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.
(John 12:23-26, Matthew 25:14-30)

Wholehearted
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you." Larry found God. He knew God. He walked in God’s truth. He was so effective because he had an undivided heart and an undivided devotion to the Lord. He feared God’s name. He had a real heart and it showed. He was abandoned to God. He followed Jesus wholeheartedly. He lived out the passages in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. He gave himself first to the Lord, and then to us. He was a cheerful giver and generous, with his wisdom, his talents, and his resources. He truly excelled in his giving. We were made rich because of his investment in us, the body of Christ! He is now rich because he is in God’s permanent presence!! His enthusiasm and wisdom stirred us to action. "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift to the body of Christ!" His legacy will live on for generations to come!
(Numbers 14:24, Jer. 29:13, Ps 86:11, 1 Cor 7:35, Ez 11:19, 2 Corinthians 8 & 9)

Humility
Larry was truly clothed with compassion, kindness, gentleness, patience and humility towards us. God gave him grace because of his humility. He honors Larry now because of his humility. Larry’s wisdom came as a result of his humility. Just as Paul he was tested, especially in recent years, and just as Paul he served the Lord with great humility and with tears. Thank you Larry for your faithfulness. Thank you for showing us the rare exemplified trait of humility.
(Prov 11:2, 15:33, 18:12, Acts 20:19, Col 3:12, James 3:13, 1 Peter 5:5-6)

Humbleness
Larry never claimed to be an extraordinary man. That is what made him special, like Peter, John, and Moses (Numbers 12:3, Acts 4:13). Larry- you were truly one of the most humble men in modern day Christianity. Thank you. You were completely humble and gentle, patient, and you treated us with love. Ephesians 4:2. You were esteemed by the Lord greatly because you had a humble and contrite spirit. Isaiah 66:2. Because you were Christ’s servant, He has now exalted you! He has lifted you up! 1 Peter 5:5-6. Matthew 23:11-12
(Numbers 12:3, Is 66:2, Eph 4:2, James 4:6-10, 1 Peter 5:5-6, Mt 23:11-12)

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13

Thanks for the memories. Thanks for being a "doer" by your life’s witness and deeds. Thanks for the legacy. Most importantly—Thanks for changing our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit working through you!

In Christ, Doug, Dana, Emily, Jacob, Justin Hagedorn