"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Most of you reading this blog have heard that all who have put their faith and trust in Jesus are a kingdom of Priests (royal priesthood) and ministry is the responsibility and privilege of us all.
On a Tuesday night approximately 2 months ago, as Michelle and I were getting ready to leave to go to a Bible Study sponsored by one of the couples of our church, my neighbor stopped on the sidewalk next to my car. When I said hello to him, he proceeded to tell me that he was not doing so well as his wife had passed away approx 2 weeks prior. Michelle, who was already in the car, met me on the sidewalk and we prayed with our neighbor who I will call Mr. B. We had also begun a Bible Study with my mom (she was visiting us at the time) and Mr. B was invited to attend our Bible study which was every other Tuesday (we alternated Tuesdays in order to attend the one by the couple in our church). Since he was hurting, he was also invited to attend a Bible Study at our home the next night (which was Wednesday). It was obvious at that first encounter that he was hurting deeply as he and his wife had been married for 47 years prior to her death. Once he met with us, we discovered that he and his wife did missionary work in other countries for many years serving in an administrative capacity for the distribution of Bible materials for a major denomination. They had recently retired and leased the home next door to us and were having a home built in a neighboring city. His wife had died unexpectedly from a major stroke. As we begun the Bible Study in our home, it became apparent that it was also a ministry time for us as a co-worker also joined us along with my mother. Mr. B continued with us bi-weekly until approximately two weeks ago. He was there every every other Tuesday and did not miss at all. Two weeks ago, mom prayed for him in his grief as it was apparent that she was anointed to do so, having gone through something similar in regard to my father approximately 11 years ago. On that night, Mr. B lingered at our home after the Bible Study and talked with me at length. He began to share his hurt and grief. He also discussed his service time as he was an Egyptian Soldier during the 6 Days War of 1967. He expressed many difficult things as his grief let many barriers down for him. It was obvious that his heart was broken and he missed his wife greatly. He expressed that he appreciated our group and that he considered us dear friends.
Last night, as we prepared for the Bible Study and our co-worker arrived, Mr. B did not come to our door at 7pm the way that he normally did. I told Michelle and the other participant that I was going to walk over to his home to remind him. (he told me that if he ever forgot, to please remind him). So I went to his home and his son answered the door. He preceded to tell me that his father had passed away on Sunday at Church. He told me that he believes that his father died of a broken heart and one of the things that brought him the most comfort after his wife's death was our Bible Study. He stated that His Father looked forward to it and benefited from meeting with us greatly. So, approximately 2 months after his wife's death, Mr. B joined her in paradise with our Lord Jesus Christ. Now they rejoice and fellowship together in Heaven. As I arrived back at our home to began the Bible Study, we spent time discussing the impact that Mr. B had on our lives the short time we were allowed to meet with him. We reminded each other of the importance of ministering to each other in the name of the Lord Jesus. We were also reminded that our paths and purpose are often only seen when we look back. We certainly did not think that the meeting we had with him the previous week would be our last on this side of heaven. The fact that he lived next door to us and we could have easily not known anything about him or his pain reminded me again that there are so many people close to each of us who need ministry and healing in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Next time you see your neighbor, look again. Really look. Next time you are in the grocery stores and someone lingers next to you and that voice inside you tells you to say, "hello", do it. The next time that voice inside you says to tell that person that you are happy to see them today, do it. It may be their life line until Jesus calls them home.
