Last week while preparing my sermon on 2 Timothy 1, I pulled off my bookshelf a commentary I've had for years. On the inside cover it read, "To Matthew, God bless you! We're proud of you. In Christ, Pastor Wayne and family." It was a short note, but I'll never forget the occasion. It was my high school graduation, and Pastor Wayne knew that I had been called to preach.
It's been 25 years since my high school graduation, which was one of the last times I last saw Pastor Wayne. But I knew the name of his church and where he was pastoring, so I looked him up and sent him an e-mail that included a copy of the note, to which I added the following comments:
How cool was it to reconnect, however briefly, for just a few moments through e-mail. Pastor Wayne was encouraged by hearing from a former student he hadn't seen in 25 years. No doubt he had forgotten about that gift he had given me long ago and certainly had no idea that little investment of his was still paying off today.
Of course I was pleased to get a note of reply from my former pastor. One thing he said has been mulling over my mind ever since yesterday when I read his e-mail. It was his remark, "This is a great day to serve the Lord!"
Isn't that the truth? When I think of where we are in redemptive history (see 1 Peter 1:10-12), the technological advances we've made in the last century (even the last decade!) and the global opportunities these give us for sharing the gospel, as well as the opportunities before us right now at Webster Bible Church, I get amped! I hope that you do, too.
Yesterday's correspondence has left me with two thoughts in terms of personal application:
It's been 25 years since my high school graduation, which was one of the last times I last saw Pastor Wayne. But I knew the name of his church and where he was pastoring, so I looked him up and sent him an e-mail that included a copy of the note, to which I added the following comments:
It's hard to believe I've been in full-time pastoral ministry for 20+ years.... You had given me this commentary as a gift at my high school graduation...! I just thought that you'd want to know that it's being put to good use! May the Lord keep us faithful to Himself and the work He has commissioned us to do in Jesus' name.A few days later I received the following reply:
Dear Matt,
Thank you so much for writing! It is a joy to hear from you. I am so thankful that you are continuing faithful in the ministry. This is a great day to serve the Lord! Keep in touch....
How cool was it to reconnect, however briefly, for just a few moments through e-mail. Pastor Wayne was encouraged by hearing from a former student he hadn't seen in 25 years. No doubt he had forgotten about that gift he had given me long ago and certainly had no idea that little investment of his was still paying off today.
Of course I was pleased to get a note of reply from my former pastor. One thing he said has been mulling over my mind ever since yesterday when I read his e-mail. It was his remark, "This is a great day to serve the Lord!"
Isn't that the truth? When I think of where we are in redemptive history (see 1 Peter 1:10-12), the technological advances we've made in the last century (even the last decade!) and the global opportunities these give us for sharing the gospel, as well as the opportunities before us right now at Webster Bible Church, I get amped! I hope that you do, too.
Yesterday's correspondence has left me with two thoughts in terms of personal application:
- Let others know how they have encouraged you, even folks from years ago. You'll make their day, and it will give blessing to yours.
- Amidst the hardships of life and ministry, let us remember that it is indeed "a great day to serve the Lord!" Let us rejoice in that and give it all we've got -- by God's grace, for His glory!