The Death of David

No. I'm not talking about King David from the Old Testament. My neighbour, with whom I had been building something of a friendship, has just died suddenly. He was only in his late forties, & leaves behind a devastated wife and 10 year old daughter. He had lost both his legs a few years ago when a drunk teen age "joy rider" in Dublin crashed into him. So he got around fairly sucessfully with artificial legs.

The thing is, as I was getting to know him a bit, I found myself reluctant to some extent to let him know what I worked at. It always seems to be a conversation stopper in Ireland.

"So, what do you work at yourself?" the conversation usually goes....

"Well I work as a pastor for a non-denominational church" says I usually.

"A what?" comes the usual reply, "I mean what's that?" they ask with a worried look coming over their face.

"Like a minister.."....

"You mean a priest?"

"Well, I am married, but yes, something like that."

"Oh right, well I'll catch you again I suppose, bye!"

Because of this, I normally keep that side of things discreet until I build a better rapport & trust with the person. Sometimes it makes sense when you can build that up over time and then gradually introduce it. But it also means that I keep quiet about my faith, which is the most important thing in my life. And when I think I have a long time to tell someone the Good News of what Jesus did in my life I can justify it.

But I thought I'd have years to tell David about Jesus. I was wrong.

I know he didn't have much of any kind of faith, a nominal Catholic like most Irish people. I failed David. And I don't know what the eternal consequences are.

If you know of any David's in your life, don't do what I did, saying nothing. Time is so short, shorter than most of us realise. And eternity is forever. God give us wisdom and courage, God give me wisdom and courage.........