The Message author’s family said he joyfully looked toward heaven in his final days, saying, “Let’s go.”
Eugene Peterson has completed his “long obedience in the same direction.”
The Presbyterian pastor, best known for authoring The Message Bible transliteration, died today at age 85, a week after entering hospice care for complications related to heart failure and dementia.
Author Winn Collier first shared the news on Twitter. “My dear friend and pastor Eugene Peterson has died this morning,” he said. “The lantern is out, but the joy he carried with him to his final breaths endures. Eugene is now with the Triune God he has loved his entire life. Memory eternal.”
NavPress, publishers of The Message, confirmed his death. His family said in a statement:
During the previous days, it was apparent that he was navigating the thin and sacred space between earth and heaven. We overheard him speaking to people we can only presume were welcoming him into paradise. There may have even been a time or two when he accessed his Pentecostal roots and spoke in tongues as well.
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. In such moments it’s best for all mortal flesh to keep silence. But if you have to say something say this: “Holy, Holy, Holy.”
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. 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.
Peterson’s Bible paraphrase and writings on spirituality inspired evangelical leaders ...
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