4 Years ago, a bishop I knew died, and I wrote a kind of mini-eulogy on Facebook. FB reminded me of the anniversary where you are encouraged to repost some of your favorite memories, highlights of your life etc. so I did repost it since knew a number of people there that would appreciate it. But I figured I would post it here too for the sake of inspiration and praising a life of self sacrifice for the Kingdom of God.
I was hoping to do something more elaborate for the commemoration of Bishop John falling asleep in the Lord. but my days off keep getting moved back.... so will keep it simple.
Many times we hear many things preached on like "the Shepherd leaving the flock to pursue the one that is lost", but those things are often only occasionally done. In some cases, the proverbial wisdom of "Church Growth" movement experts will even try to talk you out of such things! A person who is suppose to be a visionary leader is someone who suppose to "delegate" such work to associate pastor's etc. while they do "the big picture stuff" of building the great ministry organization that will take care of the needs of thousands etc.
In the face of such "Christian" organizational wisdom was bishop John, who truly valued the spiritual well being and salvation of all those around him, far more than the all the lesser benefits of earthly compensation, recognition, and financial security. But he was far more than an evangelist, he was actually a spiritual grand pa to all who met him! Generously taking hundreds, perhaps even thousands under his wing, paying them kindness and showing them the love of Christ by direct example. As saint Paul once said, 1 CORINTHIANS 4:15 "For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet ye have not many fathers..." How much more so when it comes to grand fathers! May the Lord honor him for choosing wisely the Pearl of Great Price and may the rest of us still running the race follow his example!
I was hoping to do something more elaborate for the commemoration of Bishop John falling asleep in the Lord. but my days off keep getting moved back.... so will keep it simple.
Many times we hear many things preached on like "the Shepherd leaving the flock to pursue the one that is lost", but those things are often only occasionally done. In some cases, the proverbial wisdom of "Church Growth" movement experts will even try to talk you out of such things! A person who is suppose to be a visionary leader is someone who suppose to "delegate" such work to associate pastor's etc. while they do "the big picture stuff" of building the great ministry organization that will take care of the needs of thousands etc.
In the face of such "Christian" organizational wisdom was bishop John, who truly valued the spiritual well being and salvation of all those around him, far more than the all the lesser benefits of earthly compensation, recognition, and financial security. But he was far more than an evangelist, he was actually a spiritual grand pa to all who met him! Generously taking hundreds, perhaps even thousands under his wing, paying them kindness and showing them the love of Christ by direct example. As saint Paul once said, 1 CORINTHIANS 4:15 "For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet ye have not many fathers..." How much more so when it comes to grand fathers! May the Lord honor him for choosing wisely the Pearl of Great Price and may the rest of us still running the race follow his example!
