It’s been a great privilege over the past few weeks, while preaching out of the country, to run into some older preachers. At this point, my brother would like to insert that he didn’t know there were any preachers older than me:) To be fair, they are not that much older than me, but I’ll take even a little bit older.
A couple of these men I’ve known for nearly fifty years. As I sat and listened to one of them preach, my mind went back to the first time I heard him, almost fifty years ago, while in college. My first impression, those many years ago, was that he was a dynamic speaker and that he loved Jesus with all his heart. Hearing him and the others this week has lifted my heart and astonished me that these “older” guys still have that same passion and love for the Lord and His Word in their hearts. They still proclaim the Good News with the same great passion for those who listen.
During a brief conversation with one of these preachers, he said, “Jeff, how do we slow down from this work?” He said I think I’ve been watching the wrong people. I asked who he was watching, and he said, Jerrie Barber! I told him I’ve been watching Gary, Ralph, and Paul!
I also started thinking that all of these men have had challenges in their lives. They’ve lost a spouse or a child. They’ve been fired and made to feel they should resign. They’ve had family struggles, financial concerns, difficulties working with elders or co-workers, and yes, even temptations in their lives.
But they have never lost their passion for preaching Jesus. If you are reading this and dealing with some of life’s most challenging times, please try to take heart. Please don’t try to go through the struggles alone. Reach out to someone who might listen before you decide to throw in the towel. Know that you are loved and deeply appreciated.
