ACKNOWLEDGE!

This year’s graduation will be the last one he attends in his academic regalia (representing The Ohio State University) and sits with the Dallas Seminary Faculty. He’s retiring. After close to four decades of yeoman service to the school, he’s letting go with this grand finale of the academic year. Almost 82. Still the same bright-eyed, ever-smiling, always-serving young man. John Reed. He is ngoing home to better tend to his ailing wife, to putter around with woodworking tools (he’s an accomplished craftsman) and to write. No more worrying about recalcitrant students; no more computing grades to make the registrar’s deadlines; no more shepherding the Department of Pastoral Ministries through its many dangers, toils, and snares; no more building the Doctor of Ministry Department to its current respected status; no more committee meetings, faculty meetings, departmental meetings, meetings about meetings, …. Nope. That’s it! Just some peace and quiet with his dear bride.

Having oft been on the receiving side of his wisdom, concern, care, and prayers, I am thankful to God for this man’s ministry, not only to me, but to countless others whose lives have intersected his. He has been a refreshment to one and all. And I pray I will learn from his example.

For I have come to have much joy
and comfort in your love,
because the hearts of the saints
have been refreshed
through you, brother.
Yes, brother, let me benefit
from you in the Lord;
refresh my heart in Christ.
Philemon 1:7, 20

John’s example of being an agent of God, for it is God, Himself, who provides the refreshing.

“For I satisfy the weary ones and
refresh everyone who languishes.”
Jeremiah 31:25

The model of a good steward, dispensing God’s refreshment with his life..

As each one has received a special gift,
employ it in serving one another
as good stewards
of the manifold grace of God.
1 Peter 4:10

Recognizing his comforters during his own days of distress, Paul writes about such a trio of men …

For they have refreshed
my spirit and yours.
Therefore acknowledge such men.
1 Corinthians 16:18

Indeed, they deserve acknowledgement. They do!

But we request of you, brethren,
that you appreciate those
who diligently labor among you,
and have charge over you in the Lord
… and that you esteem them
very highly in love
because of their work.
1 Thessalonians 5:12–13

They deserve acknowledgement for having been trustworthy.

… it is required of stewards
that one be found trustworthy.
1 Corinthians 4:2

They deserve acknowledgement for having been irreproachable.

For the overseer must be
above reproach as God's steward,
Titus 1:7

Far too often, we are quick to spot the wrongs, missteps, weaknesses, and stumbles of others, aren’t we? Far quicker we must be, to acknowledge the good lives some have led, the refreshment they have been to us, the grace they have extended to us, the Christlikeness they have lived out for us. Let’s acknowledge them. Say thanks, today, will you, to someone whose life has refreshed you?

I thank my God always,
making mention of you in my prayers,
because I hear of your love
and of the faith which you have
toward the Lord Jesus
and toward all the saints;
and I pray that the fellowship
of your faith may become effective
through the knowledge
of every good thing which is
in you for Christ's sake.
For I have come to have
much joy and comfort in your love,
because the hearts of the saints
have been refreshed
through you, brother.
Philemon 1:4–7

Thank you, John!