I had they great opportunity to preach at my dad’s church in Fremont last Sunday. What a privilege to share God’s love and talk about the challenges we face as believers. It was a real challenge for me in many ways.
It was the first time for me to preach there since my mom went to heaven. I was already emotional and really missing her in the first service. Juliette and I were married at that altar. I was baptized and confirmed there as a child. Missions began for me as a young man from that pulpit. And we have been lovingly accepted and part of our support comes from the body. So I sure felt grateful for all God has done for us over the years.
Then in the second service my dad shows up in his wheel chair! As I stood up to preach and saw my pop, I was truly overwhelmed! It’s a tough sermon to preach when you START it with tears in your eyes! But what a blessing it was to talk about my dad before the church. He and my mom were active in the body there for over 60 years! They gave so much of themselves to serve people and serve the saints. Her absence left a huge hole. My dad has been telling me that he really just wants to go to heaven and spend eternity with his sweetheart. So as I stood there, I thought this may be the last time I preach in front of him.
I made it through the message and hoped it was a blessing for our friends there. But it really got me to thinking about life. It seems like those kind of moments really define us. They have the potential of helping us refocus on what is really important in life.
As I looked over at dad time and again, I couldn't help but appreciate and love him more than ever. As we grow in God, our growth should be downward not upward. Spiritual growth really should be a journey into greater depths of humility and grace. When you think about it, we put way too much stock in things that won’t last. Money, carreers, reputations, fame, investments, retirement funds, and other “stuff” of this life are just that. Their only real significance is in their potential ability to take our focus off of what really is eternal. Any of those things can potentially take us away from God having first place in our lives.
As I stood there, it seemed like so many things became clear. My dad has achieved incredible things in his life. Over 55 years of medical service to his patients, a beautiful wife of 68 years, and great kids. But there he sat humble and not interested in getting man’s approval. When you’re getting ready for heaven, the things of this earth seem to lose their importance.
So I spoke of how our lives really should be less and less about “us”, and more about God. In the end, he is the one who really matters. He gives us life and purpose. He is the provider of all good things. Placing our faith in him means never having to worry about the future. We don’t know what it holds. But we can place our confidence in the one who holds the future in his hands.
That is the example my parents showed me and that is the life we aim to live out. As you focus more on blessing others, you too will be blessed beyond what you could do for yourself. That is God’s economy.
So I have come to one real conclusion. When I finally do grow up, I want to be just like my dad. His strength and moral character have really been a pillar that many could lean on over the years. His service and hard work have blessed thousands. And his unwavering desire to always do what is right is the mark of a true leader.
While I was preaching, I received a silent sermon from a great man. Thanks dad for being the best ever. I pray that the rest of your days be filled with peace and joy in God. And may God carry you all the way to heaven to be with mom and the other saints. Some day we’ll all be there together! That thought alone sure makes the things of this world fade away fast!
May your hope in heaven over ride all earthly circumstances as well. May you too grow down into greater depths of humility and grace. May you too be captivated by the giver of life. Eternity is just around the corner for all of us! Live your life with eternity in your sites.
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