Encounters with the Master: Jordan's Story Continued

THE LOST ARE FOUND

Not long ago, I told you the story of my son-in-law, Jordan. I told his story to highlight how God is still pursuing people for His purpose. I shared my post with Jordan, not knowing what his response would be. To be honest, I thought he might get upset, because I didn't shine the greatest light of him. To my surprise, he said, “It was ok to post if it could help someone else.” After posting that article, we didn't talk much, because Lea and I were staying with friends. The next time I saw Jordan was on a Saturday night at our North Main campus. As always, our pastors spoke the Word with power and conviction. I remember thinking if there could be a night that the Gospel should be presented, this was it.

Pastor Ben was presiding over the Lord’s Supper and started off by explaining the purpose and meaning behind why we participate in this sacrament. Now the interesting thing is that Pastor Ben had read Jordan's story about a week before this service and he knew Jordan was to be at this service. A little background, I am easily distracted in a room full of people, so I always sit in the second or third row during services. Poor Jordan was sitting with us and Ben could not help but make eye contact with him. Before we took the elements, we heard all the requirements to take part in Communion along with reasons not to participate. I felt confident that Jordan understood the “rules.”

When it came time to take Communion, we all stood up to go forward and to my horror, so did Jordan. All I could think about was how I needed to have a conversation with him about the seriousness we place on this sacrament. To be honest, I don't remember singing the closing song or even saying goodbye to anyone like I normally do. We were walking out when my daughter said, “Hey Dad, Jordan just took his first Communion.” I quickly turned and said, “I know. I need to talk to him about that.” As soon as I turned to continue walking, I hear Jordan say, “Wel,l Ed, I have made a decision since the last time we talked.” I was stunned. It took me a minute to process. As soon as I realized what had just happened, I gave him a big hug and told him how happy I was. I then proceeded to tell everyone within reach. I even got to Pastor Ben before he left. To say I was happy would have been an understatement. I felt the burden that I had carried for Jordan lift off my shoulders. It wasn't until then that I realized how heavy it was! Wow!

THE REAL WORK BEGINS

So he's a Christ follower, now what? I hadn't prepared for this. If I’m being truly transparent, I struggled to believe it would ever happen. My interactions with this young man gave me a very narrow view of who he really was. He was often brash, angry and at times mean to my Abby. I didn't know how to respond to this new version. Jordan, to my surprise, showed up the next Sunday to hear the same sermon and take Communion again. He was a different person. He walks with his head up, and you can't wipe the smile off his face. Before he was struggling with anger, bouts of depression and could only find worth in what he did. When I would look in his eyes, I just saw pain and a real lostness. All of that has been replaced with a new love and peace that can only come from God.

I don't know about you, but after being a Christ follower for many years, you can forget the amazing joy you feel when you allow Christ to be your Savior for the first time. Seeing the transformation of this young man has actually helped breath life into me as well. We can allow the worries of this world to weigh us down. If we are not careful, we can stifle a new believer’s growth with all of the do’s and don’ts of this new life. Plus, we overcomplicate the discipleship process. Pastor Josh put it best when he said, “Follow me, as I follow Him.”

I had the pleasure to serve in the military with a unit where Follow Me was their motto. So as I move forward, I pray that God can shine through as I do my best to train up a new Christ follower in His ways, so that he is prepared for the battles that lay ahead.

As I was finishing this article, I sent out a text to my family asking if any of them needed me to pray for them and this is what I got from Jordan: Sorry, I'm late to the group text. I ask that you pray that I can continue to overcome the obstacles of being a new found Christian and I continue to strive in my faith and overall just continuing to finally have the strength to be the person who I've always wanted to be. Thank you!

I was very encouraged by his humility and maturity in the request. Later that night, he asked about baptism, membership, and serving. He is one hundred percent all in. Please keep him in your prayers as he begins this new chapter in his life. All glory to the King.