August 9, 2023

89 years ago today, my dad was born. Just over 19 years ago, he died.  Many of you knew him, but many of you did not. Those of you who knew him, got to know him after he was diagnosed with cancer and watched him face that with gospel grace and gospel courage. He endured a lot, but he was relentlessly hopeful. He made that time much easier on many of us than it could have been.

Of course, I knew him long before that cancer stuff was in the picture. He was a member of the pastoral staff of the same church during my childhood. He was responsible for the music ministry (125 voice choir, multiple ensembles, etc.), the media ministry (TV, radio), the Adult Bible Fellowships, and the organization of the main office (6 secretaries), visited people in the hospital, taught frequently and preached occasionally. The guy was busy. I had the opportunity to serve on the same staff for 4 years after college and for a few months had to assume many of his responsibilities, when he broke his ankle. When I consider his various tasks, I can see that for the most part, his role was to help others do their best. Much of what he did, (certainly not all) was behind the scenes. He was a very good pianist, but he played so others could sing. He made certain that others sounded good on the radio, looked good on TV, taught well in their classes, and organized so that people were well served.

John the Baptist was like that. His role was to pave the way for someone else. Even Jesus was like that too. He did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. He gave up his life that we could be led to glory. Living for the advancement of the joy of others is spot on! Thanks Dad, you modeled that well.

His last few months were hard. His death was a gift to him and a relief to those of us who knew what he was enduring. In view of that, I am grateful that he is with the Lord. But there are times, like today when I miss him and I certainly wish that he had lived longer than he did. Often times when I am visiting people in their last days or hours on this earth, I will tell them to tell my dad hello for me and to let him know (if he doesn’t know already) that we’re doing well. His grandkids love Jesus and he is partly responsible for that.

Grace and peace,

Bob

Sunday’s Text: 2 Samuel 18.19-19.10 (yea it’s a long one)