If it's in your blood, it never completely leaves you. Some people are addicted to speed. Whether it's driving cars, swimming, or running, they are obsessed with just a little faster. The man or woman with music in their soul will be humming a tune on their deathbed. For the Christian, it's Jesus. For the preacher...well, you know.
I've pretty much been away from preaching for nearly two years, with just a couple fill-ins during that time. For the most part, it's been good. The weekly pressure of handling the Word of Life is a very real thing that I felt keenly. The Sunday I handed leadership over to pastor Joe, I literally felt a weight leaving me. I hadn't really noticed it; after all, preaching had been my life for more than forty years. It was what I did.
A couple weeks ago, pastor Joe asked ifI would preach on June 5th. He outlined the overall thrust of his next series, gave me the text he wanted me to handle, and turned me loose. When I say there is a difference between reading Scripture devotionally and reading it hermeneutically, I am not exaggerating. The text Joe gave me at first glance didn't look too promising, but the more I looked at it, the more it opened up, revealing gems hidden beneath the surface. Linda can testify that by merely looking at me, it would be hard to tell if I were excited or blasé, but I assure you that I am excited about the opportunity to present God's Word once more. And very thankful for the invitation pastor Joe gave me to do this for him.
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