by Jerry Senn
John Albert Broadus was one of the greatest New Testament and homiletics scholars of his day. He was from a small town, where he was converted to Christ. Shortly after his conversion, Broadus spoke to a friend and classmate named Sandy Jones. He said, “I wish you would become a Christian, Sandy.”
“Well, I don’t know; perhaps I will,” the awkward Sandy replied.
And sure enough, Sandy did accept Christ at the small church in the town. Afterward he walked over to John Broadus, held out his hand, and said, “Thank you, John. I thank you.”
John Broadus left the town and launched a distinguished ministry as a preacher, seminary president, and teacher of homiletics. Sandy Jones stayed in the small town and became a farmer. However, Broadus returned home often, and every time John and Sandy met, Sandy greeted John with, “Thank you, John. I thank you.”
Sandy died before Dr Broadus did, and Dr Broadus is reported to have said, “I think the sound sweetest to my ears in heaven, next to the welcome of Jesus, whom I have tried to serve, will be the welcome of Sandy Jones, as he will thrust out his big hand and say, “Howdy, John; I thank you.” (R Kent Hughes).
I suggest there is someone in all our lives to whom we would like to say, “Thank you for encouraging me to trust Christ for salvation.”
In my case I think of W Claude Hall, during a gospel meeting he held in our small church. I was eleven years old, 75 years ago, when I was immersed in an icy cold creek. I thank God for his kind heart and clear words.
I hope we will all OFTEN remember those who encouraged us to obey Christ and give our humble thanks to the Father that they came our way.