90 years and counting

 

Hebrews 10:10-18

From time to time, a conversation I had with a 90-year-old saint comes to mind. We had been at a church event one morning. It was one of those kind where everyone shows up. In the midst of the hurry of the event, I sat down to visit for a moment with my friend. We said how good is was to see everyone and that things were looking well. Then he said something I wasn't expecting. He said, "I hope we're actually teaching them about Jesus." At first, I thought he might be talking about me and my preaching. But, no, he meant us. Me, him and the church. His tone seesawed. He was happy the event was a success. He worried we were merely filling calendars. People seemed to love being a part of their church. But was this a place they actually learned to experience the gospel? To be sure, my friend wasn't just looking at other people. The last part of our conversation is what stands out to me most. He went on to talk about how he was still changing. There was much he was still learning about Jesus and his love. And that love was still working on him. Wow! That saint understood the power God demonstrated through Jesus. But he also knew the work the Holy Spirit was still doing. Even at 90 years old, he recognized where God still needed to transform his heart. Though we didn't talk about Hebrews, my brother's point is there. Hebrews 10:10 affirms the sacrifice of Jesus that made us a holy people. Yes, you are holy--that's God's design. And Hebrews 10:14 reminds us that holiness is something the Lord continues to flesh out in our lives. The text says Jesus has done a work for "those who are being made holy." That is, we're holy people and God is making us holier. What my friend recognized, though, was faith wasn't something you stumble upon. It's nothing you graduate from at a certain age. Faith in Jesus is something you continually pursue, even after 90 years. Stay blessed...john