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Listen while you read: "Rise Up O Men Of God"1
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Those of us of in our advanced years are experiencing the death of friends and loved ones. Just recently, I discovered that a gentleman with whom I worked has passed away. He was the superintendent on the first pipeline construction project on which I worked. When I was assigned to other projects, we lost touch, but his death brought back many memories.
Of all the people with whom I was in close contact on projects in Europe and the Middle East, some of whom became our friends, only one is still alive. I call him on occasion. The last time when we talked, at the year's end, we recalled the people whom we both knew, and he mentioned again that there is no one left to talk to; they have all passed away. I remember my colleagues so well: their families, the visits that we had, and the good discussions, both personal and professional. I also recall the fine Christian people whom we met at the different churches that we attended. I am really nostalgic about that time, so long ago.
Similarly, judging from the letters that Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, he was thinking about so many of the people that he had met over the years in the churches that he had planted. He knew that his end was near, and he wanted to be in touch with them and give them advice.
Philippians 4:2-3 – I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. (NKJV)
If Paul had not written those letters, those people would not have known that Paul was thinking about them. Do we have people whom we remember — people who were so important in our lives that we remember them and the difference that they made in life — and do we miss them as well? If they are still alive, we should be in touch with them.
Conversely, we may not realize at the time when we are instrumental in certain things happening or events taking place that are important in making a difference in the lives of people who know and remember us. For example, when we introduce someone to Jesus as their Saviour and Lord, we may not know just how that person's life becomes different, or whomever else they may in turn lead to Christ. However, it is not the case that we will never know! When those who know Christ get to heaven, all such details will be revealed, and we will know how everything worked together for good. What a great revelation to look forward to!
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we thank You for all the people whom we have met in our lives, what they came to mean to us, and what we have meant to them. We thank You in Jesus' name. Amen.
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About the author:
Joel Jongkind <austria67@bmts.com>
Meaford, Ontario, Canada
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What a gift friends are! Thanks for reminding us. Blessings.
Amen Joel.
Blessings.
Thank you for this well-written piece. I look forward to your readings. I had never thought of this scripture as I wrote my notes to friends. I will now.
(Manitoba)
Thanks for your moving post, Joel. It is often difficult to stay in touch with the great people we meet over the years as life gets so busy, but you’re right, we should as it is important. God bless!
Great devotional thought for those like myself who are older. I also think back on our family when they were just little kids. Keep sending your great work in for everyone to be drawn to our Savior.
Thank you for your devotional on remembering and thinking more of counting our blessings. I often think about that when I read Psalm 78. A good lesson about saying “thank you” more often. Blessings.
Thanks Joel,
I can identify well with your message and do try to keep in touch with MANY friends and family.
(ON)
Thank-you Joel.
Your submissions have really helped me. God Bless you! We will meet in heaven one day and we will not need an introduction.
Thank-you.
Hello Joel,
I can relate to your experiences of recalling past relationships that were meaningful. I’ve enjoyed reconnecting with a few and it’s been great to share memories. I realize what they brought to my life as God gave me these co-workers to learn from.
Thank you for encouraging us to reach out.
Joel – how your comments resonate with me. Just this month, I had opportunity to attend both an 80th birthday and a 50th wedding anniversary. What a blessing to reconnect with folks from my former communities throughout several decades.
We shared first how instrumental God has been and continues to be the Light of our lives.
Joel
Thanks for your devotional.
I remember my mother who died in her 90s saying that all of her friends had died leaving a void in her life.
Thanks for the encouraging words.
Wishing you God’s blessings.
Dear Joel,
Being in my late 80’s, the losing of old friends and colleagues, becomes a norm.
But losing my elder brother and his wife recently has been tougher as sharing things with them is no longer possible, and that I really miss.
Although we have lots of friends in church and choir, life gets lonelier…
Thank you for your commentary, keep up the good work.
Thank you for that message. I do indeed try to be in touch with old friends from old churches. But what you said revealed something else to me. I am not good at evangelizing, and I really feel that as a failing. But I believe I am good at teaching and encouraging believers and giving the example of abiding in Christ, and perhaps some of those people will be the ones who evangelize. That revelation is an encouragement to me.
I always like to read your messages. Thank you again!
Thanks, Joel, for this very meaningful and mindful devotional today. Memories are very precious, especially of people past and present in our lives and along with memories of them, there are also memories of places we have been with them, or certain gifts we received from them. The word “memories” really sticks with me today as I’m sure with many people that are here in our vicinity today, as fires rage around us, and certain items are either packed up or left behind as evacuation notices are given. May the Lord’s love and care spread throughout, and memories be cherished.
Blessings for these very special writings you prepare.
Good morning, Joel,
I think as life is at a slower pace, we all think more about the past and the people who were in our lives at the different times. I do think it is a good reminder to stay in touch if we can.
It is good when others share what they are experiencing because it helps us to know that others are feeling those same thoughts. Your example of Paul’s letters which we have access to in the Bible shows us the importance of reaching out.
May you enjoy your memories and reach out where possible. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.
Hi Joel,
I was struck by your devotional today, as I also think of those who encouraged me along the way and some of them are gone or out of touch (Facebook hack did not help) but in the mid 60s, I’m not quite at the point you described and yet I see it coming.
Thanks for reminding me to be an encourager, one of the easiest gifts as a Christ follower to believers and especially non-believers, as it shows our light!
Great kick start to my day! I liked your format as well.
Blessings,
(Ontario)
Dear Joel,
Thank you for your “devotional” today. I loved the Bible Verses chosen today as well – God’s precious word.
We have a prayer time at our church over the summer and pray for our congregation, our community, and individuals as well as thanking God for all his blessings. We read how Paul remembered his Brothers and Sisters in Christ with Joy as he prayed. Philippians 1:3.
“When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!”
This is the song that came to me, and I would sing it in my kitchen, as I looked out at the Mosque as the call to prayer was being played back in the early ’80s. I probably was a little homesick, but I ended with joy and hope. I would also pray that these dear people we met would come to know Jesus as their Saviour and Lord.
May God continue to bless you in this stage of life (as my husband and I are experiencing this too!).
Someday, as you pointed out, there will be a great, wonderful revelation and we’ll be praising God with great joy!
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us! Blessings.
Thank you, Joel. We need to tell those people how much they mean/meant to us!
Joel – thank you so very much for this thought-provoking devotional. God Bless you.
Thanks for the words today.
When I turned 50, I created a card with pictures of me from the years of my life.
Then I sent the card to people letting them know what they have meant in my life.
It was a great way to thank especially those whom I had lost touch with over the years.
Thank you – your words brought this back to me.
Best wishes.