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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: At the Pulpit (11/15/07)
The closing notes of the anthem hung in the air until they were absorbed by the silence. The rustling of robes was the only sound in the sanctuary as the choir took their seats. The Reverend John Joseph Blackwell rose and slowly approached the pulpit, the cane in his right hand bearing the weight for his weakened hip. Once there, the Reverend Blackwell released the cane and clung tightly to the stately podium from which he had preached countless sermons through the decades. A gift from his father on the occasion of his ordination, the pulpit was a beautiful piece of workmanship, lovingly crafted by his father’s own hands, constructed to a height perfectly suited to the Reverend's stature. The Reverend did not take lightly the words his father had carved, where only the speaker could see: “‘Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?’ Romans 2:21.”

Only a few souls in the congregation remembered when he first came to them, some fifty years ago. He was in his last year of seminary at the time. Hired as a supply pastor following the sudden and scandalous departure of the former pastor and church secretary, his wisdom had belied his youth as he stood behind the pulpit each Sunday, exhorting the wounded congregation to lay aside bitterness, look to the future, and forgo casting stones. Upon his graduation, they called him as their pastor, thus formalizing a relationship already in existence. Soon afterward, he married his childhood sweetheart from his hometown far away. Together they served the church and raised two sons and a daughter. Just as he had stood with the members through the various seasons of their lives, so they had stood with him, rejoicing in the happy milestones of life and offering comfort for the inevitable sad ones. They cheered as his oldest son followed him into the ministry. They prayed with him during the tumultuous years of his daughter’s early adult life. They grieved with him at the loss of his dear wife after her long and ravaging battle with cancer.


Today, as on every Sunday, he took his place behind the pulpit, looking out on his flock with gentle eyes that knew their failings as well as his own, forgiving all. He saw not just people, but lives marked with joy and trials, victory and suffering, and he loved them all deeply. The lines etched deep in his face testified to a life lived by faith if not by sight. The loose fit of his Sunday suit on his frail frame reminded his congregation of the temporal nature of our earthly bodies.

Opening his Bible, he half-read, half-recited his chosen passage, and spoke passionately of God's grace, His love and His eternal purposes for each person. His offered his own pulpit as a parable of God's craftsmanship, building into each life the things that uniquely suit the individual. His abiding joy and devotion to his Savior underscored every word he spoke and all who heard were moved to ask God to produce the same fruit in their lives as well. As he closed he offered a benediction, and left the sanctuary to greet members and visitors at the door as he did every week.

No one, least of all Reverend Blackwell, imagined that this sermon would be the last he would ever preach from his pulpit. The following Tuesday night, God took him as he slept from the earthly tent to his heavenly mansion. The congregation mourned deeply for their loss, but rejoiced greatly for his gain. As the church members considered his life and the many sermons he had delivered, they all agreed that his very best sermon, the one from which they learned the most, was a life well lived.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Beth LaBuff
11/25/07
This is a beautiful account of John Joseph Blackwell's life. I loved the personal insight and background. You're ending is perfect. Very nice writing.
Laury Hubrich
11/25/07
This is a very nice account of a Godly man. Thank you so much for sharing!
Laury