Truth Confirmed in Experience
Celebrating the CLB 125th Anniversary at BC26 was a foretaste of heaven. Is that sentiment too strong? This gathering was a reunion of saints. The Lord was present among us through his Word and Sacrament. Seminary President Troy Tysdal summarized the conviction of all in attendance as he concluded his sermon: “God is good, and God is faithful!” Throughout BC26, all glory and honor and thanks were given to Jesus Christ… A foretaste of heaven!
Three weeks earlier, another reunion: Hillcrest Academy class of 1976 observed our 50-year reunion. It could have been titled “50 Years; 50 Friends.” At least one friend came for the first time since graduation. I perceive that the class has, amazingly, grown closer with each reunion. As always, there were expressions of joy and love, of mutual encouragement over current life challenges, and also some expressions of honest regret. At one reunion years ago, classmates sought and received forgiveness for wrongs done back in high school. This time, our regrets had more to do with lack of time to do a “deep dive” with every old friend. I regret now that I was barely able to talk to some. Another regret that I expressed to classmate Steve Brue, and now to Faith & Fellowship readers, was my omission of Steve’s father, Rev. Don Brue, as I listed in reThink two issues ago the professors who blessed me so much as a young seminarian. I belatedly honor Don Brue now, as a wonderfully inspiring and encouraging professor.
The truth about our God, though not spoken, was carried away from that reunion. Less than ten days later, we received news of the heavenly homegoing of one of those classmates. I was then blessed to attend her funeral, where this same truth rang through.
A week after BC26, Living Hope Church in Menomonie, Wisconsin, graciously celebrated my retirement from pastoral ministry with the Sunday service and a dinner. Family and friends attended, including several who the Lord used over the years to bless and encourage me in very significant ways. They shared kind and warm greetings. I took the pulpit as “Pastor” for the final time. I engaged in some self-indulgent reminiscing, recalling both great joys and great regrets from the last 41 years, and setting a career personal best in my final attempt: a 54 minute sermon! (Maybe not something to be proud of?)
What a unique 5-week stretch of renewed relationships and life retrospection! Should God ever grant you such a blessing, I know what you will discover. Because this truth about our God has been confirmed and reconfirmed at every stop on my 5-week journey: “God is good, and God is faithful!”
Brent Juliot is Contributing Editor of Faith & Fellowship magazine. He recently retired from pastoral ministry at Living Hope Church in Menomonie, WI.