Scripture

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.

Matthew 8:12, NIV

Quote

Compassion is knowing that there can never be any peace or joy for me untill there is peace and joy for you.

~Frederick Buechner

There is a story in the Old Testament found in the tiny book of Ruth. It is about the ancient Hebrew custom called the gā’al {gey-owl} or kinsman redeemer. In the story of Ruth, the gā’al is Boaz. The gā’al has three qualifications that have to be met; not just anyone can be a gā’al. [1] First, he must be a relative. [2] He must be able to redeem you and your property {he must be financially stable and blessed} [3] He must be willing. Naomi got her house and property back because Boaz was able and willing to be her gā’al. All of this is a picture of the coming Messiah who is our beloved gā’al {Kinsman redeemer}.

First of all, Jesus is our kinsman. Jesus has always existed but He became flesh and took on our humanity so He could relate to us. Secondly, Jesus is able. The lepor had no doubt that Jesus could heal him of his leprosy. He did not question Jesus’ ability; but he did question His willingness. If Jesus had said “No, I am not willing,” we would have a different gospel but PTL Jesus said I AM willing. The great I AM is willing. Folks, this is the heart of the gospel. It is not God’s power which no one is their right mind questions; it is His willingness. “I am willing” Jesus said and that my friend is GOOD NEWS!

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Extra

I really enjoyed yesterday; the sun and the heat felt good. We will be on the road today. Two COLS at the same time, 11:00 and then LW I will be visiting the retirement homes. Mid-week worship tonight at 6:00.

Extra/Extra

A Tribute To Randy Lewis

I met Randy in the mid-80’s when he worked for Allied Paper in Decatur. Randy played basketball at Danville High. It was back in the day when Danville seemed to have a good team every year. When you heard some one speak of Danville, it usually had something to do with basketball. Randy went on to play at Jacksonville State. He knew a lot about basketball. Randy was a conversationalist and he took interest in the lives of others. You might say he gave preference to others. He put others first. In the last few years he had a Job experience, one thing after another but it never affected his marvelous attitude. He kept smiling through it all. I have never known anyone that handled adversity and suffering any better than Randy. The stroke a few months back rendered him helpless. He went to rehab and tried to walk again but it did not happen. Just a few weeks ago, he told me, “Bro. Jack, I am going to walk again!” When I prayed that day, I asks God to help Randy walk. He is doing better than walking now, he is no longer bound by gravity. He has been promoted from the egg stage and he now has his wings. We have more suffering to do but Randy’s is over. He gave his heart to Jesus several years ago. He attended a Revival at Tuncel Road and was later baptized by Bro. Wally at East Highland. When I heard about it, I had to go see him. I was delighted to hear his testimony.

Randy was inducted into the Morgan County Hall of Fame back in 2019. Randy was a 6’3″ guard which gave him a height advantage over most other guards at the time. His stats are impressive. What Danville fans got to see was a high-flying offense that believed in scoring points as quick as possible. That was perfect game for a player Randy’s size. Randy said, “Coach Bowling believed in letting us run a lot and we did.”

The running game mixed with Randy’s shooting ability allowed him to rack up some impressive numbers while being a three-time All-Morgan County selection. According to research done by Lynn Holladay for his book “History, Stats and Stories of Morgan County Basketball 1945-1973,” Randy scored 1,884 career points. For that time period, it ranks him behind only Robert Whisenant (2,411 points at Ryan) and Gary Winton (2,347 points at Cotaco and Brewer).

Randy averaged 20 points per game over his career. He averaged 26 points and 14 rebounds during his senior season in 1973. He scored 20 or more points in all but two games. In the two games he didn’t top 20, he scored 18. During his career he scored 30 or more points 10 times.

Randy was an encourager and a friend. He was also my neighbor. I will miss Randy. He was one of the most considerate people I know. Joe David’s last game as a Hawk was a heart breaker. We should have won that game. Randy is the only person who sensed my pain. He talked to me outside Allied Paper on MacEntire Lane. I will never forget that conversation and Randy’s compassion. That is the kind of man Randy is: he had that very rare gift of focusing on you instead of himself. Notice the verb, I didn’t say that is the kind of man Randy was…He is not was, He is. He is more than a memory, infinitely more. I will not get to attend his COLS due to a prior commitment but LORD willing Buddy and Vicki Beavers will be there to represent myself and Grace Point. I think Randy was in there wedding. I do know they are the same age and have been friends for life. It is frustrating to want to be two places at once but that is part of life. Randy would not have complained and neither should I. He would want me to keep my promise. Knowing he is my friend is a huge encouragement to me. Thank YOU Randy! Dance for Jesus with those new and glorified legs.