I was going to write about something else this month, but two things that happened in our services on September 30th deserve real attention and reflection.

First, during first hour, Pastor Phil joined us on the phone from 2,000 miles away to pray over Pastor Ron and Glenda. I know the hearts of the Forcey family were warmed to hear Phil’s voice and were united in prayer with him. And how often does that kind of thing happen – a pastor who has been gone for three months is eager to share in that kind of a moment, and is also so well received?

Then, during second hour, as Ron gave the final benediction, the Forcey family erupted in a spontaneous standing ovation. With no one leading or manufacturing the moment, together we were pulled to our feet by the Spirit of God to do the only thing that made sense, to honor not just a man and his forty years of ministry, but also that man’s Lord who made it all possible. I am so glad for how the Forcey family poured out honor onto Ron and Glenda throughout this whole final season of their ministry, but especially in that final moment. And how often does that kind of thing happen? A pastor serves the Lord faithfully and fruitfully at one church for forty years and is ushered into his next season of life and ministry with a standing ovation from his forever family? 

Church, the Lord Jesus is at work in our midst. This ought to inspire us to aim for the same honor at the end of whatever race God has marked out for us. Phil and Ron (and Neva and Glenda!) remain so close to us, but they are also now part of that “cloud” that Hebrews 12:1 talks about: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us”! I believe that “cloud of witnesses” includes not only the faith heroes of Hebrews 11, but also all those who have journeyed faithfully before us in “fixing their eyes on Jesus” and following Him. It just got more “cloudy” in this season at Forcey – in a fantastic way! Phil and Ron have increased that cloud. They will continue to be watching, their lives and ministries will continue to testify to how worthwhile it is to wholeheartedly serve Jesus, and their examples ought to continue to inspire us. And God has marked out a great race for us, and it’s our turn now! One day we will join “the cloud,” but in the meantime, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus and run well together!