WHY PASTORS SHOULD MAKE HOSPITAL VISITS
Investments of Time Bring Returns of Blessing.
Last week I wrote a lot about the investments of faith that people have made into our lives. These investments come from our ancestors, grandparents, parents, mentors and many other people, willing to invest in our walk with Christ, producing returns of growth.
That considered, I’d like to share a story.
In our congregation, there’s a longtime member who has made a significant mark on our church family. Let’s call her Bev.
Within our community, just ask anyone about her and you’ll hear a legacy of faith and Christian service. Over the years, she’s made hundreds, if not thousands of faith-investments that are still producing returns in so many Believers.
Even now, in her nineties, she exudes passion for Christ and has an incredible faith.
The Hospital Visit
Unfortunately, she’s been in and out of the hospital over the past couple of months. She’s ready to pass, but for some reason the Good Lord keeps her around. A couple of weeks ago I found out why.
I had the opportunity to visit her in the hospital. While I was there, I asked her if she would like some Scripture read to her. She said, “Yes, a couple of the Psalms would be nice.“
So, I randomly leafed through my Bible, stuck my finger into the Book of Psalms, landing right between Psalms 92 and 93. I decided I would read those two.
Psalms 92:12-15
As I began to read Bev closed her eyes and listened intently. Then something fascinating happened; near the end of Psalm 92, I read this:
“12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; 13 planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, 15 proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.’” (Ps. 92:12-15)
It was like I was reading prophecy that had been fulfilled right in front of me. “The righteous…will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green…“
That’s the story of Bev’s life.
She’s a prayer warrior. She has an insatiable hunger for God‘s Word. And she cares deeply for any and every person that the Lord brings her way.
She may be frail and her health may be failing, but spiritually she is still very much fresh and green.
That’s the life I want.
I hope that’s the life you want as well.
May we ask God to reveal to us the generational investments of faith that we’re called to make. Who will we invest in? Infants all the way up to seniors; they all need our prayer and support.
We’re never to busy to invest our time and energy into serving others. The blessing will always be ours.
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