From time to time scribbled sermon notes fall from the pages of a book from my dad’s library I’m looking through. Invariably I receive more inspiration from them than from the book they were in. That’s because I know the penman. (It’s probably his book to start with).
He is one that Paul wrote about when he wrote of men being “living epistles” read by men who hunger to hear from God. As a preacher he had the privilege and felt the pressure of standing between God and man as a communicator of the Gospel. For several years it was my privilege to have a front pew view of this process, and I was so impressed with it that I answered the call of God on my life to follow the example of my father. From what I heard and saw in him, it was easy for me to say “yes” to God’s call on my life.
The other day I was going through some files and found a hand-written note that said, “Ron, here are a few thoughts I put together. I think it would make a great sermon. Hope you can use it. Love, Dad.” Reading between those lines, I saw a preacher’s passion for truth and its presentation with excellence. And I saw a concern for another person – me. Come to think of it, I reckon that’s what preaching is all about – a concern for others and a passion to pass on the good news.
Thanks, Dad! Happy Father’s Day to all!