This week I spent time with a precious, retired pastor and his wife who are in their 80’s. They have practically “seen it all”, but our continually, corrupting culture is wearing at them, as well as it is doing so with us.
This gentle man came out to say 'hello' to me, and then began to share that he was reading through Romans and how it struck him again how precious this book is to him.
“Let me share it with you”, he said, meanwhile, relaxing in his chair and closing his eyes to concentrate.
Slowly, he “walked” through Romans with us…the necessity of the gospel of Jesus…our desperate condition showing our need of the Savior…our justification by faith in Jesus…our victory over sin because of the Savior. It was all the doctrines of the Christian faith.
I was relaxed and mesmerized by the familiar words and his gentle way of preaching. It was a 'break' from the chaos of this world which is all around us. He reminded himself, plus his lovely wife and I, of what our reality is in Christ, even though we are living in the craziness of this world until He returns.
Praises to our God and King!
"This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your Word has revived me!"
Psalm 119:50
Let's keep reminding ourselves and each other while it is still today.
"But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."
Hebrews 3:13
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4 comments:
Hi Jill, what a blessing to sit and hear this gentle elder saint bring God's word! There is something special about spending time with saints of that age, isn't there, to see their accumulated years of walking with Christ, and how they have been so transformed by their Savior. I really appreciated how you said he preached "gently". Far too often, saints feel that good preaching (or good evangelism, for that matter) is necessarily fiery and rough. But I find that the gentleness - even in rebuke - ministers more helpfully.
-Carolyn
I completely agree. This dear man is known to cry sometimes, he is so humble before the LORD.
I use to be thankful to be saved, but I have learned and I am learning...oh, how precious my salvation is and the "why" of how desperately I needed and need our Savior! Glory to His name!
What a gift the Lord has given you in these dear friends! I know you know it, and it blessed me to just think about what you wrote! Thanks!
Dear Anonymous...they really are such dear people, and a precious gift, as you said. I think back at my younger life and how my life has "played out" and I am so humbled by the LORD's mercies which He has shower over us. Just to know Him is enough! and yet He finds ways to bless us even more. Glory to God!
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