In our Wednesday service, June 3rd, we reflected on the memory of Pastor Stevens' life and ministry. One year ago, on June 3rd, he passed into Christ's presence. Pastor Lou Kahlenback shared as did Pastor Steve Andrulonis, Pastor Steve Scibelli, and I. We all shared touching stories of the past regarding the faith of our founding pastor. We could sense God's love in the congregation.
The key word in the book of Deuteronomy is "remember." There are many events locked away in our spiritual memories. I wonder how many times faith heroes in the Bible reflected on their victories. Did Paul remember the shipwreck and the message he delivered on board? Did Peter reflect on the first days he met Christ and started to follow Him? Did Abraham reflect on and remember his prayer for Sodom and Gomorrah? Some events were fantastic as with the flood of Noah and Israel leaving Egypt. Other events were more normal and less dramatic, but not less important as with Paul writing his letters to Timothy. Did Timothy reflect on the effects of Paul's teaching in his life?
What do we remember about the ministry of Pastor Stevens that led our lives to meaningful relationships with God? Was it a message? Was it a rap session with a small group of people? Was it a word in the parking lot when he agreed it was time to make a radical decision for God? Was it our observation and appreciation for the brethren that we never had before? Was it a new desire to reach out to lost and needy people?
We have realized that appreciation for the work of God and the words of God are never to be underestimated. Throughout church history, saints have reflected on those meaningful relationships - the Jonathan-David, humility of the heart relationships that have defined their lives (I Samuel 18:1).
Timothy followed Paul as Ignatius did follow Polycarp and Melanchthon, Luther. Surely Jonathan Wesley, Charles Spurgeon, D.L. Moody and Billy Graham saw God knit their hearts with others.
Effective ministry reminds me of the words of George Whitefield regarding Richard Baxter's ministry, in the town of Kidderminster, fifty years after he passed. "I was greatly refreshed to find what a sweet savor of good Mr. Baxter's doctrine, works, and disciplines remained to this day."
May this be said regarding all of God's faithful, hard-working, gifted servants.
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