Seeing a Dear Friend Today
Acts 20:36-38–And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
This afternoon, I got in the car and drove some 100 miles south to the little town of Mapleton, Minnesota, where I visited a dear friend. Brother Les Kopari is a dear man who I led to Christ many years ago when he was 70 years of age. I remember how that another lady from our church had met Les in her apartment and had invited him to church. After meeting me, Les and I struck up a friendship. During one of the times that Les was in my office, we were talking about salvation and how that salvation is all of grace and not of works. I can remember Les struggling with this as I showed him Scripture after Scripture. After some time, I could literally see the Holy Spirit had been speaking to him, and he looked at me and said, “I am not saved yet!” It was a revealing statement for him, and I was so glad when my friend bowed his head there and trusted Christ alone as Savior.
Les and I have had many conversations. He is, and I mean this in a complimentary way, a critical thinker. In other words, Les always has wanted to be sure about what he believed. He is very principled and sure about many things. And he would often invite me to read a book or view a video that had really spoken to his heart. He was always sharing with me things that he learned. Les challenged me to be sure about where I stood. God has used Les in my life to strengthen my convictions and teachings, making sure they are Biblically sound.
I remember telling Les one time that it is extremely rare for someone of his age to trust Christ as Savior. To get saved at 70 years of age is almost unheard of. And yet, my dear friend did just that!
Tonight, Les is in an assisted living home struggling with cancer. When I walked into his room tonight, I saw Les, his body was obviously wasting from the disease, he was definitely fatigued, he had oxygen being fed into his nose to help him breathe, BUT I SAW THE SAME OLD LES that I have known before, the one that had that sharp mind and heart, a man of character and deep, deep love. Unless God chooses differently, my dear friend will go home to be with the Lord in the not too distant future. He said to me tonight, “God has blessed me. I have nothing else I need.” These words, so brief and so profound spoke to me. Since I am saved, I too have been blessed, and I HAVE NOTHING ELSE I NEED. I was so glad to get the chance to visit with my friend, Les, tonight!
One of these days, I will see Les again. It may be here on this earth or it will be in heaven. Either way, I know I will see him again!
Pastor Dave Clear