I periodically read The OOZE and while I do not agree with everything I read, I usually find something worthy of serious consideration even in the midst of the worst it can provide. Today I took a look for the first time in a while and see that there is a relatively new article. It was one of those restrained tirades against the format of the modern worship service and church hierarchy. But in the middle of it was this:
Jesus strategically chose his disciples from among the most common and ordinary strata of society. He wanted to make sure that when a run-of-the-mill fisherman stood up and proclaimed the Gospel no one would bow down and worship him. Instead, the people saw ordinary men and women just like themselves, uneducated, dirty, and painfully normal, who had been caught up into the eternal purpose of God.
I do not know if that was the rationale behind the choosing of a bunch of fishers and other common men. But if it was, I can see some wisdom in it. Suddenly I realized what is worthy of comment. It is the faithful service of another common man who rejected corporate America (or maybe the PGA?) to be one of those people who stand in the gap. One of those whom Paul spoke of when he said those “who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” (1 Tim 5:17) If you are like most of us, we seldom think we do as well as we actually do. Your service to us for these nearly 22 years is worthy of our honor — even double honor — not for being somebody, but for serving us faithfully.
I pray that you are seen by God the way that we see you — not as a superman, but as a servant whose benefit to the kingdom of God is demonstrated in the continued growth in the lives of people of IBC.
We will continue to pray for you as you go through this trial, for Alice and your family as they deal with the frailty of the leader of their clan, and for IBC as we grow in the midst of this trial that is not about us. May we all find that in Him is strength to stand against hardship, comfort in trials, and will to move forward in the face of adversity. I look forward to the day that you once again stand in our midst and resume your faithful service.
