A W Tozer was a pastor in the early part of the 20th century. During his years in ministry he authored more than 60 books, and there is much in them that is profound. I would have loved to hear him preach. Let me give you just one example and see if you don't agree.
"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."
Powerful to ponder. It echoes what Jesus prayed in His John 17 prayer, speaking to the Father, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know You..." (v.3) It's getting deeply acquainted with Him that changes us - to be like Him, and that's our compelling purpose.
Michael Brady was a Hollywood stunt man, and he was known as the best. But one day in preparing for a dangerous jump from a moving helicopter to a moving train, Michael fell, struck his head and received a massive brain injury. He was air-lifted to a trauma center and the fight began to save his life. Four days later, Michael Brady died.
Because he was a registered organ donor the medical team began to "harvest" his uninjured organs. Next on the list as a heart recipient was Bill Wohl, 20 years Brady's senior, and a very sick man. It was determined that Brady's heart and Wohl's body were a match so the transplant was made. Almost immediately Bill Wohl began to improve. He was soon walking and in a few weeks, jogging. Before a year would pass he would actually run - and finish - a marathon.
One day the phone rang in Bill's home; it was Michael Brady's father calling. Haltingly he inquired about Bill's health, then asked if he could bring his family by Bill's home to meet him. Bill happily agreed.
A few days later the senior Mr. Brady, his wife, and Michael's widow arrived. They talked about Michael, about Bill's dramatic transformation, about how pleased the family was they could have a part in Bill's new life. Bill struggled for words big enough to express his appreciation for the gift he had received.
As they rose to leave, Mr. Brady took a stethoscope from his jacket pocket, and, hesitantly asked Bill if he could listen to his son's heart beat. Bill was happy to oblige and opened his shirt. I suspect no artist could capture the look on Mr. Brady's face at that moment.
My takeaway from this story is that when God puts His stethoscope on our chests He wants nothing more than to hear the heartbeat of His Son. When God listens to His church pray, His desire is the same. Time spent in His presence is what puts it there.
Don Jacobsen
