Numbering Our Days that We May Grow Wise

A twitter thread in honor of Tim Keller, 1950-2023

Painting by Makoto Fujimura, @iamfujimura, “Prodigal God” given as a gift to Tim Keller when Makoto learned of Tim’s cancer diagnosis.

~~~~~

About 15 months ago, I got a short email with no subject line that I assumed was a scam. It said -

”Hey Chris -

Could I call you briefly?

Tim”

The address was from a Tim Keller in NYC. I cautiously wrote back, and sure enough it was him.

Keep in mind, Tim and I had barely interacted over the years. But the internet was like a palantír for Keller and he kept his eyes on many things (safely - he was a good wizard).

He wanted to talk about a tweet I'd made, briefly.

We talked for 90 minutes.

I won't share specifics, and this is not a thread about my importance - Twitter today is filled with similar anecdotes of how Tim reached out to so many folks across so many lines.

Instead, this is about the kind of man Tim was.

He was quarantined in his apartment and knew his time here was likely short. So he was trying to make the most of it, continuing to serve and encourage as best he could.

He told me about some of the Zoom groups he was involved with. He still met with many unbelievers and skeptics. Tim was an evangelist to the end.

He met with many well known figures. But he also called people like me.

He wanted to encourage me, whom he barely knew.

I had tweeted that somebody needed to write a particular article. Tim told me that I should do it.

When I demurred, and suggested the name of someone better qualified for the task, he paused and then said, "yeah, you may be right about that."

But that's the kind of conversation it was. Trying to brainstorm together what was best for the kingdom. And he listened to me.

He did not want to talk about his own condition, other than that he coveted prayer. Instead, Tim focused on what we could do for Christ's kingdom.

And then Tim said this, when he asked me how old I was. I told him I was 55 but struggling with my own chronic health condition and not sure how long I could keep pastoring full time.

He said, "I bet you've got one more big push in you. Keep going."

To hear that from someone struggling with stage 4 cancer, and still doing all he could for the kingdom, well, I won't lie - that felt like a commissioning.

And make no mistake, Presbyterians do have bishops of sorts. And Tim was one of them.

Tim was also gravely concerned about the health and unity of the PCA, and a fierce advocate for people staying to help remain healthy and confessional.

When I complained a bit about some quarters, he gently reminded me of their strengths and qualities. Tim was a churchman.

At the end, he asked me about my book and said he would be happy to take a look. He brought it up. Then later kindly tweeted @ it - which got it into the hands of many who would've not otherwise known about it, including Brazilians, Methodists & other folk far-flung from me.

We exchanged about a half-dozen emails after that. I did not want to become "that guy" and take much of his time w/ all he was going through.

Once I asked him a specific doctrinal question, and Tim immediately called me at 8am to talk, and gave me another 90 minutes.

Here's the thing. Dr. Keller was singularly gifted in his intellect, productivity & capacity to engage w/ literally thousands of writers & ordinary people like me.

He was first & foremost a pastor, caring for individuals. Most of us can't come close to his capabilities.

But we don't have to. We only have to be faithful to the gifts and energy we have - to walk in the good works God has prepared for us to walk in. No one else's.

And in that, Tim did set for us an example, making the most of the time, numbering our days that we may grow wise.

To die is gain, but until then - to live is Christ.

May our brother rest in peace and rise in glory.