Ravi
Zacharias is without parallel the most influential Christian India has ever
produced. We might not see again a person of his caliber in our lifetime. Even
in the stage of the whole wide world, he remains one of the greatest Christian
apologists of the late 20th century and the early 21st
century. True to the motto of his ministry, he persuades the believer to think
and the thinker to believe.
The
death of Ravi Zacharias is heart-breaking to those who look up to him as the
defender of the faith. Especially for Indians, whose contribution to the churches
across the world is small, he has been the model for many Indian Christians. Now,
“we have Ravi Zacharias,” will be “we had Ravi Zacharias.” Surely, he
emigrated, but his upbringing, his blood, his fluency in Indian language, and his looks scream out loud that he has been an Indian all his lifelong
though his earthly citizenship may not be.
The
first time I listened to Ravi Zacharias was 10 years ago in Shillong. The Internet
was not available then as these days. I had a friend (bro. Juban Wahlang) who was working in an
office of UESI-NE Shillong. He would let me use the office computer sometimes.
I used to download the sermons of John MacArthur and had been listening regularly.
My friend asked for pastor John’s sermon telling me he will give me the sermons
(“let my people think” series) of Ravi Zacharias. Well, that turned out to be
one of the best deals I ever had with anyone.
I
was with SSEU (UESI-NE) in 2010-2013. We had a very good relationship with RZIM,
Shillong. Many times we invited Dr. Balajied, bro. Tejdor to our programs.
They also invited us to help them out as volunteers in one of their mega-events.
When I graduated from St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, I paid a visit to the RZIM
office to meet bro. Tejdor for a career opportunity, but he was out of the station.
A few days later he was gracious enough to call me up and ask about my purpose
of visit. Surely, the staff, whom I had a lengthy friendly conversation had
informed him. Well, I was already on my way to Delhi boarding a train and ended
up in Seminary a year later.
I
have spent hundreds of hours listening to Ravi Zacharias, and have read some of
his best books. Two of my favorites are “Can Man Live Without God?” and “I,
Isaac, Take Thee, Rebekah.” Ravi Zacharias has mastered the art of illustrating
truth statements and imprinting in the heart and mind of his listener. For instance,
I had heard him many times in his lectures reciting the lyrics of “Cats in the Cradle”
by Harry Chapin, I was so glad to find it in page 109 of “Can Man Live without
God?” I have used that lyrics and many other illustrations more effectively
thanks to the influence of Ravi.
One
of my favorite sermons/lectures is from “Let my people think” about Jonah the
reluctant prophet. Many years ago I saw my 11-year old sister misbehaving, and
as a punishment for her, I decided to let her stay alone in a room with an
earpiece on her ears playing that sermon. Well, she enjoyed the sermon and
refused to give me back my phone. I am sure she didn’t understand many of the
sophisticated vocabulary of Ravi Zacharias, but it is telling that a man of
such intellect could mesmerize even the mind of an 11-year old kid.
Ravi
is the first Indian Christian I enjoyed listening to and remains the best
Indian Christian I will keep on listening to. He is also the best Indian Christian
author I have ever read. He is the first apologist I came to know, and then
through him, I let myself be influenced by Geisler and Lane Craig. By now, I
have favored presuppositional apologetics but Ravi has always been more than an
apologist, he is a preacher, communicator, evangelist, and a voice of clear
thinking. I have never met him face to face, and I decided to be contented that
I was able to attend one of his lectures in September of 2013 in Delhi. Well,
it made no sense for me to waste his time. Maybe something like the attitude of
Peter, “O depart from me, for I am a sinner!”
Some
of my favorite Christian leaders who I enjoy listening to and reading their
works have already gone to be with the Lord. Surely, death will come for all of
us if Christ tarries to come. And surely each year, one after another, our
favorite and beloved Christian leaders will make their way to heaven. Reflecting
this fact is gloomy in one way because we are without giants of faith but the
enemies are still roaring. At the same time, we must realize the baton is
passed on to us, and the battle will go on and the victory will always be ours
in the end for the Lord Jesus is the captain, alive and active.
Below
here are some of the top Christian leaders who have gone to be with the King of glory in
the last 5 years period, and their top books that have influenced me the most.
They have run the race very well influencing millions along the way. Surely,
the Lord has welcomed them with “Well Done!” as we bid them with farewell words,
“You have lived well!”
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| Ravi and RC |