Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Evangelism (11/01/07)
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TITLE: Luther | Previous Challenge Entry
By Charles Salmon
11/07/07 -
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Except for his immediate family (and myself), I doubt there are many who remember Luther. He was a faithful member of the first congregation to which I ministered. He was not particularly memorable. He was not known as a gifted or talented man. He earned a meager living for himself and his family working for the city as a street sweeper. He drove an old car and lived in a little old house just down the street from the Church building.
Socially and educationally, Luther had “fallen through the cracks.” He never even learned to read until, in his fifties, changes to his job description forced him into an adult literacy program. I can’t recall him having any close friends.
You could always count on Luther to be at the Sunday services. You always knew his small offering would be placed in the plate. He was in Sunday School with his children as long as they lived with him. Luther loved the Lord, Those who knew him knew that.
What I remember most about Luther was his evangelistic zeal. Many were the times he asked his shy young preacher to walk with him through the neighborhood witnessing to strangers and giving them an invitation to attend Church services. As we strolled from house to house, our talk would range from problems he had raising his children to Bible passages his wife had read to him. I was inspired by his devotion, determination, and humility.
More than once on a Saturday afternoon evangelistic outing, Luther said, “I can’t do much for the Lord, but I can do this.” I thought of people who could do much more and wouldn’t. Luther was as busy as most but he always found time for the Lord’s work. I wondered, and still wonder, how many lives he influenced for Jesus.
At the time I didn’t fully appreciate the blessing I received from such a mentor. As the years have gone by, I seldom think of him, but I’ve come to appreciate him more and more when I do.
I’m reminded of the Bible passage which says, “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. (1 Cor 1:26-27 NIV)
I’m not a gambler, but I wouldn’t be afraid to bet most of you who read this are wiser, better educated, and more gifted than Luther. Let me ask, what can you do for the Lord? Are you doing it?
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