We have many people who worship with us that are not members of our congregation. These are people who just like to visit, people who are just learning about the Savior or people who have challenges in life that seem to get in the way of actively participating in congregational life. We are thankful that they still come to hear the word but sometimes we can get frustrated with them and their lack of commitment.

A few weeks ago one of these “regular visitors” was in worship with us. I have known her for over 5 years and have known that she has been taking care of her husband who was suffering from cancer. That Sunday after church I happened to catch up with her at the coffee pot (which is where a great deal of my ministry is done) and I asked her about her husband. I had never met him, but from her past descriptions I had the impression that he was a hard man.

She told me he was dying. Hospice told her that he had less than a week. I made arrangements to visit him the next morning. I walked into the house and sat down while the wife and nurse struggled to change his bedding and diaper. It was a sad conversation to over hear. The wife came to bring me back to the room. There in the bed with his eye barely open was this man I had never met.

I thought it would be hard, but it really was not. The whole way over there I was worried about what I would say. But once I got in the room the words came easily. God’s Word came easily. The wages of sin was there. We talked about sin and its consequences. That man knew he was dying. He knew he had sinned and there was fear. I shared with him the gift of God in Christ Jesus his Savior. The devotion that day was based on John 14. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. The devotion the next day was John 11; Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

I am ashamed to admit I did not see him again after that Tuesday. My week got hectic and I honestly forgot to get back over there. He died early Saturday morning. I wish I had been able to see him again. But I know he knew about his sin. I know he heard about Jesus. I know the Gospel is the power of God and it works faith.

That man was not able to talk. He made eye contact and gave gestures and indicated that he believed the word I was sharing with him. I look forward to seeing him in heaven.

I don’t know if his wife will now start class and join our church. She has not been in worship since he died last month. But I do know that her husband heard the Gospel before he left this world. And I know God’s promise concerning his Word. And I know we are here to share those promises no matter who joins our church.

It can be frustrating when we work with people and they never seem to commit. But God has a way of using this to open doors for us to do ministry. It is a testimony to God’s grace and mercy. It is a testimony to his work getting done in his way and in his time for his reasons. Even when we don’t understand it is a joy to be able to do the work of sharing Jesus. God’s blessings as you do the work of sharing Jesus whenever he gives you the opportunity to do it.

Pastor Matt Brown
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church
Clarksville, TN.