If They Only Knew

Each week I stand up, speak up, then shut up. It’s called “preaching”. Sounds rather simple, but I promise you, there’s lots more to it than that.

I’m not talking about the preparation: studying, praying, meditating, typing notes, gathering useful Scripture, etc. One other thing goes into each message that I find difficult to explain.

One of the saddest moments of my life was the last time I said “goodbye” to my mother. She was well along in years, had poor health, and wasn’t expected to live much longer. Still, I told her “goodbye, until I see you the next time”. There was no next time in this life. How I wish I would have held her close one last time. If I only knew…if…if…then it was too late.

Each time I preach, I realize it may be the last message someone in attendance hears. It’s always been that way and always will. Too many times I lay awake thinking about someone who passed on before they accepted Jesus as Lord ~ and I preached the last message they heard. I understand that it’s not my responsibility to change a heart or touch a life, but oh my, it hurts so badly when I miss that chance.

God has given me opportunities that I hate to waste or miss. This very morning I preached, afterwards I said goodbye, see you later, and thought; I hope you know the Lord.

If they only knew what I was thinking. Jesus pleads, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).