Jump Start # 2700

Acts 8:2 “And some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him.”

With this Jump Start, we reach yet another milestone, 2700. Who would have thought that we would have such a collection of writings. Our Jump Starts now have a Monday podcast, Jump Start Rewind, which can be heard from the Charlestown Road website (www.charlestownroad.org). There are also 25 Jump Start books which are themed and always for free. Many, many thanks to a congregation that supports this endeavor and to the many readers that encourage, share and tell others about Jump Starts. Thank You!

Our verse today centers around the execution of Stephen. He had preached a powerful lesson. It is recorded in Acts 7. It is one of the best O.T. summaries. But the Jewish hierarchy had enough. They must have thought with the death of Jesus that this movement would had fizzled out. Instead, it was growing. It seemed unstoppable. And, with Stephen’s pointed message, they decided right then and right there to execute him. They did not go to the Roman officials for permission, as they had done with Jesus. On the spot, the audience became a mob and they turned violent. Stephen was killed. Faithful men buried the preacher of God’s word.

Last week I learned of the quiet passing of a preacher in my area. His long life of service had touched many hearts. He worked with many congregations and was kind and gentle, the marks of someone who knows the Lord. I have a picture of the two of us in my office. Our paths never crossed very often, but I have always heard of him and the good work he did in the kingdom. He gave me a book of some of his writings about four years ago when I got to spend a couple of hours with him. What a delight he was. He talked and talked about preaching and was such an encouragement. It was the noon hour and time to eat. His wife was ready to eat, but he had yet another story to tell. That followed with still another story. He was a prince.

The older guys are passing on. That is life. That is the way it is to be. Moses died and Joshua took over. Paul died and the work fell to Timothy, Titus and Apollos. A generation comes and a generation goes is what Solomon tells us. But before we pass that baton on too quickly, I think it is good for us to take a moment, reflect, and be thankful for what those old soldiers of Christ have done for us. They fought battles that we never will. They endured hardships of congregations dividing and mean things being said. Younger preachers, you do yourself much good if you could connect with a preacher of another generation and spend an afternoon with him. Here are some things I have seen and learned:

First, many, many of those preachers of the last generation worked hard with low pay, primitive equipment, small offices, but they had a heart of gold. They loved the Lord. They preached and preached and they preached everywhere. They preached in small places. They preached before small crowds. They poured hours into producing bulletins that taught a generation the way of the Lord. These soldiers often had radio programs that spoke the word of God throughout a community. They poured their very souls into what they were doing.

I wonder how many today would do what they did? They sure made it easier for my generation and the generations that follow. Preachers are paid so much better today than ever before. The working conditions, equipment and involvement of others has made our work so smooth. Elderships that actually shepherd the flock of God and deacons that are really servants are a wonderful blessing.

Second, many, many of those preachers of the last generation had a heart that put the kingdom before themselves. So many did with so little. They were of the time when preachers were shuffled about like a deck of cards. About every four years it was expected for the preacher to move. Congregations owned a house for the preacher to live in. It may not have been a house the preacher would have bought on his own. It may not have been in a neighborhood he wanted, but there it was and he was expected to live in it. He couldn’t paint it, change carpet or do any repairs without permission from the church. It wasn’t his house. He put up with those things because he wanted to preach. His poor family moved about every four years. Crisscrossing state lines, new school, new congregation, knowing that in another four years or so, they’d move again. I expect most today wouldn’t tolerate that. But those old soldiers did, eventually getting congregations to see that moving preachers around so often wasn’t the best idea. Times are different. Things are better. We owe a world of thanks and gratitude for what they have done. They have made it better for us.

Third, the past generation fought a major, major war within the church. Congregations across the country divided. Preachers were labeled and fired. Things became hot, nasty and ugly. Debates dominated the period. Papers drove brethren to taking sides. Preachers were fired on the spot if they didn’t line up as a congregation thought they should. Reason seemed to be tossed out the door. There were many causalities and heartache. And, still, onward these noble soldiers of Christ kept preaching. They kept people looking into the book. When emotions were running high, it was solid, Biblical preaching that kept people grounded and close to the Lord. Some congregations overnight decided to fire their preacher with no consideration to how he was going to pay his bills, what his children would go through. It was an extremely difficult time. And, so many pressed onward. They wore the scars from these battles, but they didn’t become bitter. They didn’t complain. They didn’t quit. They just kept preaching and preaching.

Finally, as many of these old, old soldiers of Christ aged, they could no longer keep up with the pace of a fast generation. Their voices were silenced. Many who had given their lives to working for congregations, found that they were soon forgotten. They were replaced with younger, more dynamic preachers. No one called them anymore. No one needed them anymore. And, congregations simply forgot them. Having spent a lifetime helping churches, many were left to live their final days in tiny apartments because they had no money. They struggled to get by, never saying a word, for fear that they would be a burden. And, so these mighty giants that taught and preached for decades and decades are left alone until eternity calls them home. Like an old workhorse, many congregations simply replaced the old mule with a younger one and no thought is given to the years of service or what the future holds for the old preacher.

Here are a couple of suggestions:

First, younger preachers, spend some time with an older preacher. You need to hear the stories. You need to see the scars. You need to learn of their dedication, service and commitment. Then you need to look at your own life and be thankful and also evaluate where you are. It is easy to put ourselves, our comfort, our benefits, before everything else. Listening to these old guys will help you with that. Take an old preacher out to lunch. Become friends. He can help you more than you realize.

Second, it’s time for congregations to give some thought about what we are doing with these old preachers. Are we really practicing the golden rule in the way we treat these men? They have given so much. Maybe it’s time congregations took care of the old preacher until God calls him home. Many congregations would not be where they are today had it not been for the hard work of these old soldiers of Christ. We’ve wanted the preacher in the pulpit on holidays, even though we had it off with pay. We’ve wanted the preacher to do the weddings for our kids and bury our old ones. He’s sat with us in surgery waiting rooms. We wanted him to go talk to those with messy lives. We expected the preacher to teach every class and to come at a moment’s notice. We’ve worked and worked that old preacher and he has done so with gladness and joy because of his love for the Lord. And, now that we are done with him, how do we treat him? Best put some thought to that. The Lord may not be pleased with what we have done towards those old preachers.

Raymond Harris was a true warrior for Jesus. I’m thankful that I got to know him. I’m thankful for the footprints that he left for my generation. I can only hope to do the same for those who come after me.

Well, done, good and faithful. Thank you for your loyal service in the kingdom. Welcome Home!

Roger

Jump Start # 2232

Acts 8:2 “And some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him.”

Stephen was dead. He died violently. The persecutors silenced his voice. Those that loved Stephen came and buried him. His life here was over. We have, in the chapter before, not only his last sermon, but one of the great synopsis of Old Testament history.

Recently I heard about the death of three different preachers. That leads to some thoughts about when the preacher dies, especially if he has not retired.

First, the preacher is like any other member. His death isn’t a time to put him in a shrine, bury him in the floor of the church basement or elevate him to some status that is neither Biblical nor what the humble servant would want. I’ve been to many Cathedrals in Europe. There are so many people buried in those buildings it becomes spooky and it takes away from Christ, the one we are to truly honor and worship.

Second, if the preacher was currently still working with a congregation at the time of his death there comes the thought of what to do with all his stuff. Most of us have libraries, files and files, and all kinds of office furniture and notebooks of bulletins and classes taught. In my case, it fills two large rooms. Tons of stuff. There must be a transition time for the family to clean out and clear out all these items and for the congregation to allow the next preacher to move in. For the family of the deceased preacher, the question arises as to what to do with all this stuff. Many do not have any idea. In many cases, the books are left for the church, as a donated library, which is very kind and generous, but truth be told, most of those books will never be touched. There is the thought to selling them, but there’s not much of a market on used books unless they are very rare. In most cases, passing them on to a younger preacher is one of the best things that can be done. But there is a lifetime of sermons, articles and classes to work through. Impatient brethren can stress a grieving family to hurry up and ‘get rid of this stuff.’

Third, as a new preacher takes over, there is a lot of uneasiness in the air. In many circumstances, the church wasn’t wanting to change preachers. Their preacher died. They loved him. This is hard on the next preacher. He must walk carefully and do his best to respect and honor the man who died. The new preacher will be different. We all have our own style and way of doing things. Sadly comparisons will be made. A few will make comments. It will hurt the new preacher, but he must carry on and in time he will win the hearts of the brethren as he continues to teach the truth and do a good work. It’s also very hard for the grieving family. They will continue to worship and instead of their husband or dad in the pulpit, it is someone else. Tread carefully. Be considerate. This is unique circumstances and be mindful of that. Great leadership will guide a church and a family through this together. Terrible leadership will add more pain to the extent that the grieving family is forced to leave because it is so uncomfortable there.

Fourth, life continues on. A death. A funeral. And, another Sunday comes around and it’s time to worship. The world doesn’t stop. We preachers must realize that we are replaceable. That’s the thought from our passage. Stephen died. People cried. Yet, the church continued to worship and grow. Life continued on. It will after each of us preachers are gone as well. Knowing this and realizing this, we can help a congregation survive and thrive after we are finished here. Equip the saints so they can stand and be mature. Teach others who can then teach others. Include others. Show others. Don’t be a one man player, but be a team player and involve others. This not only helps them, it helps the church, and it helps the church carry on after you are gone. Congregations that have two preachers, this transition period can be much smoother. We, preachers have worked hard all of our lives. We would hate to see all the good that has been done, fall apart simply because we are not there. Develop people. Train others. Show others. The work of the kingdom will continue on if we have done our jobs.

Fifth, Mr. Preacher, help your family to survive after your passing. I’ve known far too many stories of preachers who had no insurance, no equity in the home, and were basically living paycheck to paycheck for most of their lives. Their death ended the income coming in. The families had to borrow money just to bury the preacher. The house had to be sold and the poor preacher’s wife had to move into a small apartment and struggled the rest of her life. While alive, the preacher talked long and hard about stewardship, but when it came to finances, he didn’t practice what he preached. His poor family were literally poor. That lack of stewardship puts a bind on the congregation. They feel compelled to help out this family but why didn’t the preacher make preparations by having insurance and savings? Life insurance doesn’t cost that much. Some of us that are so good with the word of God are terrible with money. Get advice. Talk to others. Get help. You are not Superman and you will not be here for ever. Make plans. Get insurance. Get a will. We try to help others get ready spiritually, all the while too many of us haven’t done a thing to get ready physically. We can do better than that. This would be a good discussion for the shepherds to have with the preacher.

Hebrews tells us that it is appointed unto men to die once. That includes the preacher. Both the church and the preacher would do well to put some thought into that. These are thoughts that we don’t like to think about, but unless we do, situations will force us to make choices and decisions that often are not the best.

We are marching to Zion and each of us leave footprints for others to follow.

Roger

Jump Start # 1996

Acts 8:2 “And some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him.”

His name was Wayland. I never got the chance to meet him on this side of life. He was good, faithful and godly. He served with honor as a shepherd for a church in Texas. Those that knew him, loved him. He was one of the good ones. He was leaving the church building Monday, having spent some time with the other two shepherds, discussing the growing church that he help lead. His truck was T-boned by a drunk. Wayland never made it. The other driver ended up in the yard of the church building. A family lost a husband and a dad, right before the holidays. A church lost an amazing leader. A believer went home to the God he loved and we are left wondering why. Why did the drunk live and the righteous one die? None of this is good, fair nor right. Anger fills the heart, as tears flood our eyes. Even though I never knew him, I knew of him. His name was spoken to me by preachers that loved him. His kind I have seen. Compassionate. Focused. Dedicated. Good to the core.

There are lessons we draw from this. Our verse today, following the death of Stephen, one of God’s preachers, are full of parallels. Why did God allow Stephen to die? Why did he have to die that way? Why were those evil Jews allowed to execute a good man? Why are the good ones taken?

In the next few days, devout men will bury Wayland. There will be tears. No one expected this. No one could have seen this coming. It will be hard on many families. It will be hard on a congregation of believers.

First, God always reminds us to be prepared. Death doesn’t wait for us to be ready. Death doesn’t care how close we are to anniversaries or holidays. Death doesn’t care what our passing will do to families or the church. Death doesn’t care. We are just a vapor, James tells us. It is appointed unto man to die once, Hebrews tells us. We all would like to live to 95 and be surrounded by generations of family as we make our exit here. It doesn’t always happen that way. It wasn’t that way for Stephen. It wasn’t that way for Wayland. It’s not so much how we die, but rather, how have we lived that matters.

Second, poor choices too often hurt good and innocent people. Someone chose to get drunk. He decided to drive. Those wrong, sinful and stupid choices, resulted in the death of a godly man. Innocent children suffer when a mom and dad get a divorce. Wrong choices hurt. They often hurt the innocent. This is not Heaven and it never will be. Our hope is for the world in which there will never be wrong choices. Our hope is in a Savior that saves.

Third, will society ever realize that the nation is a bunch of drunks? We cannot do anything without alcohol. It’s a problem, a real problem that no one will touch. A person can’t go to the ballgame without a drink. A concert, and there is drinking. A symphony, and there is booze. Weddings, booze. Now, funeral homes in my area are getting liquor licenses. Why? Can’t we even have a funeral without drinking? Has drinking done any good for this country? And, more and more, brethren are saying ignorantly, ’There’s nothing wrong with social drinking?’ The man who killed Wayland would not have done that had he not been drinking. One drink leads to the next. The TV ads declare, “Drink responsibly.” That’s like saying, “Curse nicely.” Those words do not fit together. To drink is to be irresponsible. It is to be thoughtless to others. It is selfish. And now, because of someone’s drinking, a good man has left us.

Fourth, as we know and as we believe, death isn’t the end. There is no “The End” to our story. Wayland rests safely in the arms of Jesus. His journey here finished, but he leaves footprints and a legacy of goodness and service. How wrong and how tragic all of this would be if that was it. It’s not it. Our journey takes us to the Lord. Two lives intersected last Monday. Both filled with choices. One, chose to walk with the Lord. Forgiven, his character was shaped by the Savior. The other, chose to ignore Jesus. He lived to self. A cross, an empty tomb, the testimony of witnesses, that’s all that was needed to fill our hearts with hope and love. The angels carried Lazarus. I expect that the angels carried Stephen. And, I expect that angels carried Wayland.

Fifth, as hard as it is, forgiveness is the banner which we must stand under. As we have been forgiven so we must. Our hope and our desire is for the salvation of the man who drove drunk. We hope he changes. We hope he is baptized. We hope his voice is used to turn family and friends to Jesus. We hope good comes from this enormous tragedy. We hope that this man becomes an obedient worshipper of God. For him to continue on his sinful ways only makes this even worse. What good is adversity if nothing is gained or learned from it?

Sixth, it is our hope that others who know of this tragic story, will look into their own lives. Are each of us ready for today to be our last day? Are there things that need to be done? Do we need to forgive? Do we need to apologize? Do we need to get closer to the Lord? What are we waiting for? This event, signals to all of us, the great importance of today. Today is what we have. Today is a gift. We may not have a tomorrow here. Use it well. Use it in God’s honor.

Comfort comes from a God who loves. May friends, family and dear family help at this difficult time. May the church get stronger because of this. May we think more seriously about what is truly important. May we touch lives and make a difference. May we realize the value of leaving spiritual legacies.

Stephen was buried, but we know that he’s with the Lord. He’s where he wanted to be. We make it our ambition, Paul said, to please the Lord. Wayland, too, is with the Lord, whom he loved and adored.

Roger

Jump Start # 1659

Acts 8:2 “Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him.”

  Stephen was dead. He had been executed, murdered, by a heated mob that did not like his preaching. Unlike Jesus, there was no trial. No one went to Pilate to get Roman permission for the state to execute him. There were no Roman soldiers involved. This was the wild fury of a mob that was angry beyond reason. Stephen was dead. The mob then went after other Christians in Jerusalem. The disciples scattered.

Our verse today shows the devout men burying Stephen. It was a sad day for the Christians.

Some thoughts:

1. God allowed Stephen to be killed. Contextually, Stephen was the third Christian to die in the book of Acts. Earlier, in chapter 5, God had struck down Ananias and Sapphira for lying. Stephen seems to be the first righteous person executed after Jesus. God allowed this. He did not bring down angels to stop this. Later in Acts, Paul will be lowered in a basket over the Jerusalem walls to escape. That didn’t happen here. The prison doors would open for Peter to escape. That didn’t happen here.

– It’s hard to understand someone as pivotal as Stephen was, being killed. He was doing right.

2. The death of Stephen didn’t crush the church. This wasn’t a death blow to the church. The kingdom is larger than any one of us. It can and will survive without us. The church is about Jesus and not us. Stephen died, yet the kingdom grew. Militants then and militants today believe that they can destroy Christianity by killing it’s members. They may kill Stephens, but they won’t destroy the church. Can’t.

3. The church had to carry on without Stephen. Devout men buried Stephen. Loud lamentations were made over him. Then the work of the kingdom carried on. This is the focus that I want us to consider today. How does a congregation carry on after the death of a very involved member. Yesterday, we mentioned that it seems in every congregation, there are some key members that are the backbone of that place. They have devoted years of service, pouring hour after hour into building up that congregation. They have been the voice of reason through the storms. They have taken care of the building. They have filled in when someone couldn’t be there. The congregation has survived because of the dedication of these folks.

Then one sad day, that dedicated soul is called home to God. I have been at places where this has happened. That next Sunday, it just seems empty because someone is missing. You look for them to walk through the door, but you know that will never happen again. Their presence meant so much, and now, they are gone. I doubt we really grasp the impact that this has upon a congregation. It’s hard to preach that first Sunday after a very influential member has passed away. There just seems to be a dark cloud hanging over the place. Without saying a word, people wonder who will step up. Who will fill the gap that is now there? Who will take the place of one so vital to that congregation? This is especially true after the death of an elder or a preacher.

I have seen some places that tried to carry business on as normal. But the day isn’t normal. Someone is missing. Instead, leaders ought to use the occasion to first, honor the spiritual hero that they had among them. Hebrews 13:7 says, “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” Remember those…Something ought to be said. We don’t worship the saints, but we ought to remember and honor those who did so much. A picture on the wall, as a reminder…a tree planted in the yard with a sign…a plague…a Bible preserved and framed…reminders, memorials of heroes that walked among us. A story preserved.

It is amazing to me how few people know the history and the names of those behind the congregation that they attend. They belong to a congregation, but they don’t know about the sacrifices, the work, the humble beginnings that started what they now see. New generations come and that history fades. The footprints of those early dedicated folks is no longer seen. The congregation that I worship with is over 100 years old. It started in someone’s house. Today, our building is huge. We’ve just added on to it. The Sunday morning crowd we have now, couldn’t fit in anyone’s living room. That little, little seed that started long ago by a few families has grown into a massive congregation. There were bumps along the way. Many have come and gone. But there were a few folks that kept things pointed in the right direction and continued on with things.

It is important that we work to train those who will follow us. Someday we will hand the keys over to others. The work that has been done should not be lost, but instead, carried on. Keeping the spiritual legacy alive is important. Who will be the next shepherds? Any thought given to that? Any thing being done now towards that goal? Who will teach the classes? Who will take care of the place? Who will preach? Legacy. Filling the shoes. Training. Goals.

Stephen died. Tears were shed. A funeral was held. And the work continued on. Are we setting in place a continuation of the work after we are gone? Are we teaching and leaving examples of what is good and right? Are we seeing beyond ourselves?

There is life after a Stephen dies.

Roger

Jump Start # 1199

Acts 8:2 “Some devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentations over him.”

  Our verse today reads like a common statement. It isn’t. It is filled with emotion and depth. Stephen was dead. The pious, dependable man whose name is listed first among those chosen in Acts 6 to help the neglected widows. A good man. A servant of Christ. He preaches. Opposition resists. He is arrested. He is rushed through a quick and illegal trial, skirting Roman law and permission. He is pushed out of town, where a mob drunk with hatred throws stones at him. The dying Stephen sees Jesus standing. And the life of this brilliant man of God comes to an end. His story is found in only a few verses in Acts.

As I write these words, a dear Christian who has been a friend, a help and a joy in my life nears the end of her life. God allowed our lives to intersect nearly 17 years ago. There were wonderful meals in her home. There were laughter and tears. I see her sitting in the surgery waiting room. Her presence calmed worried families. I see her in a home with a group of ladies as I taught an informal class about our Savior. I see her sitting with me on a pew pouring her heart out to me. I see her with baskets of food in her arms coming to comfort a family who buried a loved one. I see her singing sweet praises to God in worship. I see her with her Bible open and pen in her hand as I preached. Her spirit and my spirit were cut from the same cloth. She has been special to me for a long, long time. We tended to see things the same way. She has always been a great encourager to me. And now, it’s time for her to leave. We talked about this day. We talked about it often. I think she and I were the only ones who really got excited about death and what happens after that. Her dear husband called me. He reminded me that she wanted me to preach her funeral. She asked me that often. It’s one of those things that sticks in the back of your mind but you hope you never have to be concerned about it. Now I do. The time is close. My schedule is filled. I hope and I want to be there. God will work it out. He always does.

I wonder what those devout men thought about when they buried Stephen. I wonder if they asked themselves, “How could God allow this?” I wonder if they felt a great emptiness in their hearts because Stephen was gone. I wonder if they thought ‘What happens next?’

They buried Stephen and they made loud lamentations. Stephen belonged to God.

I expect I have preached more about death and Heaven than any other topic in my preaching life. Faith in Christ takes away a fear that we have. Understanding death reminds us that a person is not ever really gone. They are simply in another room in God’s house. Understanding death we know that a person is alive spiritually. All that made them “them,” remains and lives. These truths help. These facts take away the sting of death. It is because of Christ that death does not conquer us. It is because of that sweet grace of God and that incredible hope in Christ through faith that we know. We know what happens. We know where we go. It is not a mystery. It is not a journey into the darkness. The angels came and carried Lazarus to Abraham’s bosom. What a contrast. Lazarus was dumped at the rich man’s gate. In death, God’s messengers carried him, as a parent does a sleeping child, to the comforts of paradise. God is with us, every step of the way. We are never ever alone when we walk with God. David said, even though I travel through the valley of the shadow of death, Thou art with me. God is there. He is always with His people.

Our passage sets before us another incredible truth. God never forgets. Here all these centuries later, and we study, remember, and learn from the example of Stephen. Who were the ones who threw the rocks? Forgotten. They thought they won. They didn’t. They thought they silenced Stephen. They didn’t. The life of the righteous is never silenced. God never forgets. He won’t forget you. He won’t forget your prayers. He won’t forget what you’ve been through. God knows. God loves.

Every time my phone rings, I expect it to bring news that my friend has crossed over. Her journey is at the finish line. She’s made it. I’d love to be with her to see what she first sees on the other side. I love to hear what she gets to hear. I know she will be thrilled. God is never dull nor boring. God goes out of His way for us. I know she’ll be fine. Her dear family that she loved and cherished will have a difficult time. There will be a huge hole in their hearts. Devout people will gather. God’s comfort will shine. I  wonder who will fill the shoes that she wore. Who will be the one at the hospital? Who will be the one who encourages the young preachers? Who will be the one who takes the food? Who will be the one who comforts others? She did this so well.

It’s hard to grasp the good that one can do for another. Simple acts of love open doors, dries tears and strengthens hearts. God brings people together all the time. Once in a while, it is a meeting that changes each other for good. I believe Stephen had that impact upon others. I know my friend did.

Thank you, dear Lord, for my friend Jo Ann. I pray that her parting is quick and easy for her. Instead of sadness, my heart is filled with thankfulness of a sweet, sweet daughter of Heaven that became a lifelong friend. For the faithful, it is never goodbye. There is another meeting, in another room. A place in which there will never be separations again.

Some day, we will be through with tears, sorrow and death. Some day.

Roger