The Established Path of Discipleship

Most everyone I know likes a good reunion story—two friends who knew each other earlier and reconnected many years later. Or perhaps it is those frequent scenes of military members reuniting with their families after a long deployment. Whatever the circumstances of the reunions, there is something about those stories that makes us feel happy.

One of the most memorable reunion stories in the Bible is the reuniting of Joseph with his Father Israel in Genesis 46:28-30. The son whom Israel thought dead was alive. All Joseph could do was hug his father’s neck and weep “a good while” (Gen. 46:29). And Israel, who was comforted by God’s sweet providence, could now say, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive” (Gen. 46:30).

In God’s sweet providence, I have recently experienced a reunion. It is not as dramatic as Israel and Joseph’s reunion, but it caused me to weep a good while for joy. I was reunited with the man who discipled me when I was a new believer in Christ. I was a 22-year-old newly arrived sailor on an aircraft carrier, and he was a 31-year-old Chief Petty Officer. He took an overwhelmed, often confused young man under his wing and brought me to where I was established in the faith. I would not be the man or the Christian I am today without him in my life.

As life went on, we got separated. I got married, and he got married. Both of us were busy with family. He retired from the Navy and moved away. I retired from the Navy and got absorbed in life and ministry. The last time I saw him, I think, was 20 years ago at my son’s funeral.

About a month ago, he called and wanted to come and see me. It was like we never separated. After having breakfast and catching up, we turned our conversation toward spiritual things. It was so refreshing to drink from that well again. There were also tears as I discovered he has cancer. He is hopeful and has recently received good reports from the doctor. We have since reconnected again, and it has made me realize how much I have missed his fellowship and encouragement. If the Lord allows, I plan to visit him often in the coming days.

I write this to encourage you to treasure the relationships you have with other believers, especially those who are your mentors. God sovereignly puts people in your life who provide the guidance and encouragement you need precisely when needed. And that is what happened a few weeks ago when Kyle called. Who knows? Perhaps God is bringing someone to mind as you read this. Reach out and call them, and enjoy God’s sweet providence.