These are people who have lived a good life and who have embraced their faith. I think those conversations are some of the best I’ve ever had. “I’ve been with a lot of people who are dying. But I’m not afraid, I’ll tell you that,” he said. “I have no idea how it’s going to work out. Last year, in a Religion News Service interview about the end of his career in public ministry, Peterson told Jonathan Merritt that he was more curious than fearful of death. “After a lifetime of faithful service to the church-running the race with gusto-it is reassuring to know that Eugene has now entered into the fullness of the Kingdom of God and has been embraced by eternal Sabbath.” “It feels fitting that his death came on a Monday, the day of the week he always honored as a Sabbath during his years as a pastor,” the family stated today.
But if you have to say something say this: ‘Holy, Holy, Holy.’”Įric Peterson had shared an update about his father’s health status a week before, describing the author’s “sudden and dramatic turn” and the family’s decision to offer palliative care for his remaining days. In such moments it’s best for all mortal flesh to keep silence. “Among his final words were, ‘Let’s go.’ And his joy: my, oh my the man remained joyful right up to his blessed end, smiling frequently.
There may have even been a time or two when he accessed his Pentecostal roots and spoke in tongues as well. “We overheard him speaking to people we can only presume were welcoming him into paradise. “During the previous days, it was apparent that he was navigating the thin and sacred space between earth and heaven,” they stated. His family released a statement on his final, joyful days earthside.
NavPress, publishers of The Message, confirmed Peterson’s death. Eugene is now with the Triune God he has loved his entire life. “The lantern is out, but the joy he carried with him to his final breaths endures. “My dear friend and pastor Eugene Peterson has died this morning,” he wrote. The Presbyterian pastor, best known for authoring The Message Bible, died today at age 85, a week after entering hospice care for complications related to heart failure and dementia.Īuthor Winn Collier first shared the news on Twitter. Eugene Peterson has completed his “long obedience in the same direction.”