DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- DEBTORS

             

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – DEBTORS

"But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things." (Romans 15:25-27)

The Macedonians were debtors to the saints in Jerusalem, because it was from the believers in Jerusalem that they received the truth of the Gospel.

I also am a debtor. There have been so many people who have contributed to my spiritual development. I could not possibly know everyone I owe, let alone repay them.

I think of my parents, first of all. They raised me in the faith of the Lord Jesus, and I owe a huge debt to them.

I think of pastors and Bible teachers – especially, Pastor Beebe. He made a great impact on my life as a teenager. I can still remember standing outside the parsonage and listening to his fervent – and loud – prayers as he sought God, in addition to his preaching and his personal involvement in my life.

There were seminary professors, who set such a godly example for me along with their teaching.

And of course, there is my wife, who has developed me in innumerable ways. And thanks, kids, for your patience with me.

I think we are all debtors. None of us stand alone. If it were not for faithful people who nurtured and encouraged us by example, prayer, and instruction, we would all still be sucking our thumbs in the nursery.

I am a debtor to them. And I am a debtor to God for His grace. As the songs says: He paid a debt He did not owe, I owed a debt I could not pay. I needed someone to wash my sins away. And now I sing a brand new song, amazing grace. Christ Jesus paid the debt that I could never pay.

Love, Dad