I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 4
There are not many men we have known who have risen to the stature that John reflects in today’s text. John spoke of the joy that filled his heart when he heard about the faithfulness of his children in the faith. When I was a young Christian, there were such men about… not many, but they were there, and they had the special shepherd’s heart that was needed to bring young Christians to a level of maturity and responsibility. In particular, I recall Hiel Patterson and Floyd Stewart in the Assembly in Oxford, who took it upon themselves to shepherd the large number of young Christians who had been recently saved during meetings in Millbrook. These men, especially Hiel, would spent untold hours, drive countless miles on horrible roads, and give unselfishly of themselves, to provide the new Christians with encouragement, teaching, guidance, and an appropriate word of correction if needed. And all they ever asked in return was for the young Christians to go on living for God; to walk in truth.
I am deeply sorry that I didn’t thank those men as I should have. But we all have those regrets, don’t we? We remember the dear old souls who spent so much time, effort, and prayer on our cases, and we realize that most of us would not be walking anywhere near to the Lord now if it had not been for their labours. I often wonder just how far astray I might have wandered if it had not been for the prayers of Annie Haines in Fredericton. We all owe these people a great debt of gratitude.
Are such saints about us today? I believe so. Are they receiving the appreciation they deserve? I believe not. When was the last time you gave a hug and a word of thanks to a shepherd of the flock who you know has been supporting you in their prayers? When was the last time you heard a word of commendation for those who have lived a lifetime of caring and devotion to the Lord’s people? I know, they will receive a worthy reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ. But it would thrill their souls today to hear a word of appreciation. And it would fill them with even greater joy to see us walking in the truth that they taught us. -Jim MacIntosh