Well done good and faithful one
John was a friend to many.
He loved people.
He knew his life’s purpose and he lived it out.
He married his soulmate and it was obvious to all who knew them.
John knew Jesus and walked with Him.
His Calling was to pour his days into international students to introduce them to Jesus and to disciple them.
It was the early 1990s and I had just come back from living in Austria. I had a passion for investing in International students. So it was natural for us to cross paths. I was just getting started in Nashville and transitioning to life at a German manufacturing company, attending grad school for an MBA, and starting a family. It was a busy time and we only got together sparsely.
John always found time to mentor me when I would stop by to hang out in his home office. For several years whenever I needed a wise voice he was a sounding board.
John was a faithful servant of God who knew his calling and never wavered. And yet, in God’s Providence, he was called home early…
He was diagnosed with a terminal disease and in a brief period of time he was gone, but before he left this world he planted in me an important seed that to this day grows.
Two weeks before John left I took him to lunch at a local restaurant. A chance to hear him pour into me one last time.
Nothing like a dying friend to tell the truth. To hold back nothing and be a true friend.
You see over the years I had worked my career into a place that offered me insider time with colleagues who were extremely affluent. Change makers in this world.
I would share stories over the years with John and he would listen and then at lunch that day he reminded me of my calling.
I can still see him at the table that day. He didn’t speak of his pain and we had no idea he had less than two weeks to live. He just shared his gentle heart with me.
He looked me in the eye and said:
“Robb, you are always sharing stories with me of people who have money and influence, but I tell you to look for the least of these. Look for His Kingdom in the least of these….change your priorities and look for God at the other end of the economic ladder”.
It stung, but he was dead on.
He reminded me that day that real joy is found in following God’s call and reaching out to the invisible amongst us. To look for those who hunger for God and walk with them and point the way to God the Father.
To live life longing to hear the Father say “Well done good and faithful one” .
When the news broke that John was dying many asked “Why?”. How could a good God let a good man die so early? He had a bride to grow old with, weddings to go to and grandkids to enjoy.
John in his great wisdom knew the way forward. How to face life when life doesn’t seem fair. To see it from the perspective of eternity.
A couple of months before he died John preached a sermon at Belmont Church in Nashville. The central focus of his message was this truth..
The question is never to ask “Why?” Instead the question for reflection is “Unto what end..that God might be glorified through all things…the good and the bad?”
John knew that the “Why” question never really has an answer. Asking the question “Unto what end” allows us to see God’s purposes.
It is my firm belief and first hand experience that many met God through John’s death. He was faithful to the very end. He died almost on his 50th birthday.
Ironically it was a nationally known Christian musician who honored him on his birthday. A man of great influence…a global influencer, but for God not for man.
He opened his home for one last celebration. Hundreds came to celebrate with John for what would be his last birthday. I can still see his huge smile and a heart even at the end that was full and overflowing.
The testimony of a man’s life can be seen in the friends who honor him. That day there were students from countless countries, family and many friends who came to honor John.
He knew even at the end that God is always good. Even when our time here is done. John knew he was going home to be with the Father and he never wavered on his journey home. He longed to hear His Father say “well done good and faithful servant” .
I miss my friend. It’s been years since he passed and yet I sit here writing and weeping like a child at the loss of my friend.
Recently I learned the definition of grief. True grief. You see the more we grieve the more we honor the one who is gone. My tears are an expression of the honor John earned through his faithful friendship to me and to many.
I am reminded of Mary Magdalene who wept for Jesus and her tears were turned to joy.
John and I will meet again. I have no doubt. He will greet me and I will say “Thank you friend. Thank you for being honest and reminding me to seek His Kingdom among those who are thirsty.”
Too long to hear my Father say to me “well done good and faithful one”.
That’s the goal for all of us… to run this race well. Thankful that John modeled to many what the race looks like and how to finish well.
If you want to read John’s final day emails before he passed his wife compiled them and published them into a small book which can be purchased on Amazon.
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