"Finish Well": A Tribute to Wayne A. Robinson

Hanging on the wall in my study where I pastor is a matted picture frame containing an original piece penned by the gifted poet himself entitled, "I Want To Finish Well". Over thirteen years ago my wife and I received this piece as a wedding gift from our dear brother in Christ. On that day we received numerous other gifts, most of which have long since been lost, broken, or simply forgotten. But not Wayne's, uniquely and fittingly it has endured through the years.

I'm confident I'll never meet another quite like him. When we first crossed paths I was an arrogant, brash young man who often revealed the true colors of my personal insecurities through what I thought was flashy fashion. That is until I first saw Wayne standing there in the foyer of the church wearing that ardent purple pen-striped double-breasted suit. As he handed out bulletins and shook hands with folks entering the worship center I was drawn to him. It appeared I was not the only one (I suppose it is virtually impossible for a man dressed that bright and flamboyant not to attract people). However, it was not simply the expression of fashion that captivated people's attention it was the expression on his face. He bore a smile with a luminescence that matched his wardrobe. I would soon come to realize that the effervescence of his smile was the outflowing of his divinely changed heart.

Wayne deeply loved and cared for people. He was an encourager, prayer warrior and loyal friend. Wayne also unashamedly loved Jesus Christ. This was evident by his love for corporate worship, God's Word, and God's people. His was a life radically changed by God's amazing grace. He knew where he had come from and what he had been, and he was obviously grateful for all God had forgiven. But, his love of the Savior was most creatively expressed through his poetry. He clearly had a gift. He delighted in expressing the truths of Scripture intermingled with the adversities of life through the avenue of rhyme and prose. When I first read one of his poems I was moved by his ability to express precisely what I thought and felt in a creative way I was incapable of achieving. I'm convinced most all of us who read his works share in this sentiment.

As I write this I'm thinking about the message of Wayne's poem on the wall in my study. It draws its inspiration from the biblical writer in Hebrews the twelfth chapter, where the journey of faith is likened to an athlete's long distance run. It is a reminder that the greatest importance of walking with Christ is not so much how we start but how we finish. In our faith journey we will most certainly face obstacles of regret and disappointment, as well as, the encumbering of the consequences of poor choices and selfish behavior. We may fall down on our own or we may be beaten down by the elements of this world. In these moments we must get up and press on. We must finish the race. Nonetheless, the key is not necessarily that we finish the race, rather how we finish the race. We must "finish well"! Through the years I have often found myself drawing encouragement and strength in the most challenging times of my life and ministry by once again reading the words of Wayne's poem. There have been various instances where the temptation to simply quit, raise the white flag and throw in the towel has been overwhelming. In those moments the simple words "finish well" have echoed through my mind and heart. These words alone have reminded me that giving up is never an option, and so I stay the course.

Wayne stayed the course. His journey has come to an end. And you know what? He did it right. He finished well! I was not there as he battled against disease for the remaining weeks and months of his life. I was not there as those seeking to minister to him in time of need found themselves ministered to by his patience, prayer, and encouraging words. I was not there as those closest to him watched his passing from this life into eternity. But, I am most certainly there with him in the bonds of the Spirit and in the sharing of the sentiment of the apostle Paul, who believed that "to live is Christ and to die is gain". In fact, Wayne captured this with the creative touch that is uniquely his by describing his situation as, "a win-win situation".

I know not when my journey will reach its end. However, when it does I look forward to seeing my friend again. I look forward to seeing him with a glorified (healthy) body. I look forward to seeing his radiant smile. I look forward to catching up, reminiscing of the old days and even talking a little smack with one another. And I just have to believe he'll be decked out with the only robe in all of eternity specially ordered from the Soul Boutique! Brother Wayne I am both sad and jealous that you have left us. But, I am so thankful you finished well!

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Are You Wearing God Out?

This morning I was reading in Malachi chapter two and I came across these convicting and powerful words:

You have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet you ask, "How have we wearied Him?" When you say, "Everyone who does evil is good in the LORD's sight, and he is pleased with them," or "Where is the God of justice?" (HCSB)

The LORD was speaking to the nation of Israel regarding their confused righteous behavior. You see God's people had become so engrossed in the pagan practices of foreign gods that they lost their bearings regarding what the One True God(Yahweh) had established as right and holy. They had begun to do whatever they pleased and then justify such behavior by believing God was okay with this because they continued to make token offerings in the Temple. They were wearing God out!

God's people in Malachi's day had lost all fear of God. They no longer believed that God would come in judgement and hold them accountable for their actions. In addition, they thought that even if God did come He would be pleased with their behavior simply because they were His children. They were trusting in what they felt was right and acceptable rather than what God had clearly said was right and acceptable.

These same beliefs and behaviors are prevalent in our society today. Many claim to be God's children. They say they believe in Jesus Christ. They call Him their Savior. They are convinced they possess the hope of heaven. Yet, their lifestyle is contrary to what God has said in His Word is right and acceptable.

I can not help but be reminded of the words of our LORD in James 2:14 when He says, "What good is it my brothers, if someone says he has faith, but does not have works? Can his faith save him?"(HCSB) James goes on to explain that the answer is a resounding NO! He writes, "In the same way faith, if it doesn't have works, is dead by itself" (James 2:17, HCSB). The reality is many who claim to have faith in Jesus Christ really do not, because their life bares no "works" that validate such faith. On the flip side, there are many who fall into a different category. That is, they have a real faith. They have repented of their sins and trusted in Christ. Their lives have been forever changed by Him. However, they have slipped into a backslidden state by taking their eyes off of Jesus Christ and His Word and fixing them on the cares and ideologies of this world.

In one sense those who fall into either category can be identified with the nation of Israel in Malachi's day. They both wear God out! God will soon come in judgement. He will hold men accountable for their sins. And, when He judges it will be according to His Word, the Bible. Are you prepared for this or are you wearing God out? Think about it!

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Take Some Time Today!

When I was a kid there was a television commercial that always asked the question, "How long has it been since you've had some Wolf Brand Chili? Well that's too long!"(showing my age here I know). In actuality the commercial was really suggesting that setting down at the table to a hot bowl of their chili on a regular basis was a really good thing. I hated those commercials, but they were effective. They always made me want some chili! Perhaps what made them so effective was that they asked the right question. They asked, "how long has it been since you've had something really good?" As Christians we should ask ourselves the same question. No I'm not headed down the "just think positive" or "your best life now" road that so many biblically challenged preachers are on these days. I'm simply suggesting that we should ask the question, "how long has it been since I've had something really good, like some quality time in the Bible?"

It is just much too easy to become so caught up and even overwhelmed with the day to day issues of life that we forget about what is really good. Even as a pastor I have found myself too busy with what's "important" to take time to enjoy and be fed from the Bible. In fact, there have even been times when, shocking I know, I have thought, "I don't want to read the Bible today it's boring". Having said that, I cannot honestly think of a time when I have regretted taking the time to shut the world out and get into the Bible. The Bible is replete with everything we need to grow and mature spiritually, stand firm in spiritual warfare, a connect with Jesus. Believe it or not, it is really good!

I've decided to make a fresh personal commitment to spending quality time reading and studying the Bible some everyday. I know it's not going to be easy. But, I also know it will honor God, it's the right thing to do, and it will be really good! This year as you ponder new goals and resolutions for the coming year consider putting at the top of your list daily Bible reading and study. Go ahead, ask yourself the question, "how long has it been since I've had something really good?" Now go and reward yourself. Take some time today and get in the Word!

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Should the Church Provide Healthcare?

Recently I visited with an individual from the North American Mission Board regarding the possibilities of beginning a free medical clinic ministry hosted by the church I pastor. The clinic's purpose would be to address the needs of the underprivileged in our community (those who likely cannot afford health insurance or prescription drugs). The clinic would be staffed by medical volunteers in the area, and all the equipment and supplies, including basic pharmaceuticals, would be donated free of charge. The clinic would be open a couple of days each month and would provide a great opportunity for our church to build relationships with many individuals and families right in our neighborhood.

This seems like a wonderful opportunity for our church and community. There are a handful of other churches across the state of Oklahoma who are currently doing this type of ministry, but none in our area or the neighboring areas. Nevertheless, this opportunity raises some interesting and challenging theological questions: Should the church involve itself in health care? Is there a scriptural basis for such church involvement? If so, what is it? Does this sort of endeavor fall under the umbrella of "social gospel" rather than "hot gospel"? Will the church be demonstrating the love and compassion of Christ or will we simply be enabling the poor to remain poor?

All of these issues and concerns are definitely pertinent to the overarching question that so many Christians and churches must tackle today, that is, how can we address the needs of our communities without compromising the integrity of the gospel? These are tough questions, but ones that we as believers must be willing to take on, discuss, and come to sound biblical answers regarding. I'm interested to know your thoughts and views. Please post a comment offering your opine.

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You Pick the Topic!

Dear Friends,

For all of you out there following this blog help me out here. I would like to begin writing a series of posts dealing with the difficult ethical situations and decisions facing people in our culture today. My intent is to deal with issues pertinent to your life. Please help me develop a list of such issues. If you have one that interests you comment this post and I'll do my best to address it.

Thanks so much,



Joey

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Why I am a Baptist?

For those out there who maybe be curious what those of us who call ourselves "Southern Baptists" actually believe, I am making the following message series, "Why I am a Baptist? The Confessional Doctrines of Southern Baptists" available to you. This is a series taught by me at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Henryetta, Oklahoma. I welcome all input, comments, and questions. The first message in the series is entitled, "Why I am a Baptist? The Scriptures". Here is the link: <"http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/25783">

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Are You a Nehemiah? Part III

"But I did not do so because of the fear of God." (Nehemiah 5:15c NASB). If there is one element that is clearly absent from most leadership today it is unquestionably the fear of God. Throughout all facets of leadership ideas are dreamed up, decisions are made, and plans are implemented most often without even a token question of whether or not God will be pleased, it is His will, or it will incur his judgement and wrath. These concerns have become so foreign to our current postmodern, secularist, and humanistic ways of thinking that they almost seem to archaic and simplistic to talk about. Nevertheless, these very issues are at the heart of true leadership.

As I was preparing a sermon recently for the "Sanctity of Human Life Sunday" I was sadly reminded of just how tragically we have lost the fear of God in America. My research for the sermon led me to some interesting rediscoveries involving the landmark Supreme Court case regarding abortion, Roe v. Wade. While looking at the findings of the justices, what I found revealing was not so much there decision to uphold abortion rights based upon the "woman's right to privacy", but rather it was the direction the court looked to find the guidance that ultimately led them to such a decision. Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun, who wrote the court's opinion, offered the following:

We need not resolve the difficult question of when life begins. When those trained in the respective disciplines of medicine, philosophy, and theology are unable to arrive at any consensus, the judiciary, at this point in the development of man's knowledge, is not in a position to speculate as to the answer.

The obvious point is that the court looked to the counsel of men without ever consulting the guidance, wisdom, or clear counsel of Holy God. As a result, we have seen the destruction of an estimated 50 million unborn human lives since the Roe decision in 1973. I'm quite certain if the court had possessed a healthy fear of God and sought His counsel through the Bible it would have concluded that God is the author of life, even at conception. In addition, it would have understood that God highly values all human life and that He alone possess the authority to decide when a life can be taken. Had the court led in this way the country's current disposition toward abortion, stem cell research, and the like would be drastically different.

The Roe case is just one of many examples of the dangers of leadership devoid of godly fear. On the other hand, Nehemiah offers us a solid example of leadership stooped in the fear of God. Nehemiah had a great burden for his people and their land. He sought God's will through prayer in the midst of his brokenness. He had a vision to return to his homeland and rebuild the city and its walls. He courageously besought the king regarding returning to his homeland. He trusted God to provide the people and resources to accomplish the work. He led the people to pray and seek the face of God when criticism and opposition came regarding their task. And remarkably, even in the midst of such an enormous undertaking Nehemiah continued to fear God and set an example before the people by not partaking of the food allowance that was due him as governor.

Nehemiah was fully aware that many of his countrymen accompanying him in the rebuilding project were poor. In fact, Nehemiah had already rebuked the wealthy in Judah for taking advantage of the poor by charging them high interest on loans and then forcing them to offer their sons and daughters as slaves to pay off the debts. As governor Nehemiah was guaranteed a special portion of food from the king. Nehemiah chose not to partake of this allotment because he genuinely cared about his fellow countrymen, knew it was wrong, and primarily, because he feared God.

Nehemiah understood the most basic and fundamental element of truly successful leadership, fearing God. He was committed to leading the people to follow only the path that pleased God. In doing so he chose to set aside his own personal comforts and pleasures, the opinion of varying interest groups, and the wisdom of his age. Oh how we need such leadership in our world today! This is something well worth our consideration. Are you a Nehemiah?

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