Good Morning to All,
John 3:16; “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
It was an amazing event to attend. The man was clearly slowing down but at the
age of 93; he had the right. He was one
of the most respected theologians ever.
He had a bachelor’s degree in theology as was his masters’ and
doctorate. He had studied and taught at
all the prestigious universities all over the world. He had taught at Oxford, Yale Divinity, and
Notre Dame. He had numerous honorary
degrees along with all the real ones.
He was retiring from all teaching. He had been emeritus for a number of years
but his love for the Bible and his yearning to learn and to teach were so
powerful that he simply wouldn’t quit.
There were many days when the candidates who were writing their doctoral
theses would sit around and listen to him speak of his studies. He could take one verb in a verse and teach
about the intricacies of God’s love revealed to us by that one verb. But today he was finally going to be done. He was receiving one last award from the
school where he had served as the dean of theological studies for over 20 years. He shook hands with the President of the
University and walked up to the podium.
He looked out at the hundreds of colleagues, friends, students and well-wishers. This was going to be his final sermon.
So as he stood there looking out on all
these people; he began to smile. He
started in with a low and strong baritone voice. He began with the statement, “I have studied
God’s Word for over 70 years. I have
studied with the greatest theologians of the world. I have studied and studied and as my last
sermon I want to share with you the absolute greatest biblical truth ever.” All those in attendance began digging for
paper to write on, they placed their phones on video recording; no one wanted
to miss what this brilliant man had to say.
There was not a single sound in the auditorium as they waited for him to
speak again. He looked and smiled.
I want to give credit to the instructor who
first revealed this to me. In all my
studies nothing has ever surpassed this.
So I would like to thank Mrs. Henderson, my kindergarten Sunday School
teacher. He stopped, took a drink of
water and then began to sing in a very strong baritone voice. “Jesus loves me
this I know for the Bible tells me so; little ones to him belong they are weak
but he is strong. Yes Jesus loves me;
yes Jesus loves; yes Jesus loves me; the Bible tells me so.” He smiled, said thank you and then went and
sat down.
There was stunned silence, after about 45
seconds, he stood and went back to the podium.
“It really is that simple; no matter how much you study, never, never,
never, ever, no not ever can you forget that single truth. Everything else pales in importance and
everything else is of no value. Without
God’s love, we have nothing.”
Gracious
Father, we give you thanks for your incredible mercy, that unending and undying
love that you have for us. Help us to
cling to that love and to believe you when you call us your dear children. Father, your love prevails. Be with those who do not know this love. Bring them home. In the loving name of Jesus we pray, amen
God’s Peace,
Pastor Bret
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