It was a tremendous joy recently for me to listen to a shepherd, who is a dear friend of mine, teach Bible class. It’s not often that it happens, but my life is richly blessed when it does. His class was biblical, thoughtful, encouraging, and extremely practical. He spoke passionately and lovingly to his Church family about the need for vision.
His primary text for the study was John 9 when Jesus healed the man who had been blind all of his life. As my friend read the passage, something hit me in a way that had not previously happened, even though I have read and preached from the section of scripture many times.
It was the statement made by John in verse 32. “Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind.” The translation my friend was reading from said, “Never since the world began.”
My mind went immediately to preachers. Preachers are a unique breed of people. Some are excellent communicators and captivating speakers, and some are scholars who can pull together an expository life-changing message from any text.
Some preachers are introverts who would rather be alone, while others are at their best in a room full of people, and the larger the crowd, the better. Some are good about being compassionate and caring for others, but unfortunately, some want to make everything about themselves. Most of us preachers have some oddities (okay, let’s go ahead and put this out there; some of us are just plain weird).
Most of the preachers I know love the Lord with all their hearts; they love the Lord’s people, and they love the Word of the Lord.
Whatever kind of preacher and person you are, here’s something I know about you for sure. You are unique. NEVER SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN has there been someone who is just like you. And here’s something I know about our Lord. He can use every preacher, even with our faults and failures, spots and blemishes, and inconsistencies. In fact, He wants to use you. My prayer is that you will enter this New Year with that understanding in your heart and that you will allow the Lord to use you for His glory. We love you all.
