Gordon...remember me?

I was working away in my study on a sermon when the phone rang. There was a frightened voice on the other end who identified himself and asked if I remembered him. Of course I did. He had attended a home Bible study I held in my house many years ago. He had been a quiet, shy young man who was intensely interested in Christianity. Sometime during his 2-3 years attending my study he had become a Christian. He moved away and I only had one or two contacts with him in 16-18 years.

Now he was in trouble. His minister was away on holiday and he needed help now. As he told me his story I understood why he was upset. Recently he had a lump removed and a few minutes before he called me he had been in the surgeon’s office to receive the news that it was malignant and further surgery was urgently required. Recalling that I had cancer some years ago, he chose to call me for spiritual and emotional support.

I made arrangements to visit him right away and drove to his home which was an hour from mine. It was good to get reacquainted with him, and meet his wife and family. I took careful notes of when his medical appointments were so I could contact him each time to get updated on his progress. I also instituted a Bible study program for him to strengthen his faith and draw him near his Saviour.

The first passage I had him study was Isaiah 40. What a rich and delightful passage it is. He noted what it told him about the Lord and himself. Then I had him study Psalm 91 with its exceedingly great and precious promises of the Lord’s deliverance in times of trouble. He faithfully studied the Word of God and sent me emails on the results.

Now I have visited him again and lent him a book I lend to many people. I have 6-7 copies of this out of print classic and usually 4-5 of them are out on loan at any given time. It is entitled The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ. The book is well written and each of the 23 chapters is only 5-8 pages long. The author takes the biblical narrative from the time of Jesus’ arrest to His death and speaks about each scene in a warm and pastoral manner. It is a wonderful teaching aid for the follower of Christ and gives excellent application of the Scriptural truths.

After reading a chapter I have counselled many people to go to Isaiah 53:11 and read it. Then I ask them to recollect what they read in the book and consider that Jesus does not regret suffering that for them. “He shall see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied.” When Jesus recalls what He suffered here for His people He does not regret it. He believes His people were worth all the sorrow and pain He suffered on their behalf.

What is important to do with people who suffer is what is spoken of in Hebrews 12:3: “Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.”

Gordon Rumford Ministries

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