July 2023

Dear Cobham Park Church Family,
As I write to you in my study, roofers are still going full steam somewhere over my head. I hear loud thuds, heavy dragging, scraping, pounding, the rap-tap-tap-tap of semi-automatic nail gunfire, and Mariachi music. These guys are definitely professionals. They showed up in the church parking lot early Monday with supplies, specialized equipment, skill, and youthful exuberance. The roofers immediately sprang into coordinated action and never let up. Nobody had to ask what he was supposed to be doing; each knew his job and how to do it. From sunrise to sunset, they’ve worked in the sweltering sun with minimum dilly-dally.
I’ve watched in awe as workers confidently scamper around the church’s high roof while carrying heavy bundles of shingles (this brought back vague memories of what it was like to be 21). After I’d gone home last Tuesday evening, a thunderstorm rolled through Warsaw. One of our church members frantically drove over to check for damage on still-unshingled portions of the sanctuary. He found that the roofers had not only covered the exposed plywood, but that they were all still up there—steadily working as if skies were clear.
And these roofers can preach too! While they didn’t open Bibles to proclaim God’s Word from on high, they powerfully preached through the example of their work. Let me share a few of their sermon points:
-They know what they’re here for. Do we? Everyone on this roofing team cooperated for one clear purpose: roof this building, and do it well. Each person’s individual strengths were devoted toward that single-minded goal. As God’s church, may we also know what we’re here for! We have one purpose: live daily as disciples of Jesus as we teach others to follow Him too (Matthew 28:18-20). To that end, we must cooperate with single-minded devotion. Are you pulling your weight? May nothing distract us from Jesus!
-They take full advantage of every minute. Do we? These folks were clearly not getting paid by the hour; they hustled! Every minute of daylight was used to the full. Contrast this with the attitude of many Christians: we take our sweet time in doing God’s work, don’t we? We act as if our earthly opportunities are endless. To this, John Wayne would say, “Let’s go! We’re burnin’ daylight!” Jesus said much the same thing: “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work (John 9:4*).”
-They are working for their reward. Are we? Our roof was not a charity case. These roofers are working to get paid. Through risk, fatigue, heat, and homesickness, they keep working with a paycheck in mind! As for us, Jesus unapologetically offers us great reward for our faithful service to Him! Joy, eternal life, and wonderful pleasures await the person who faithfully works for God. Even our Lord endured the cross “for the joy that was set before him (Hebrews 12:2).” Therefore, “Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward (2 John 1:8).” Don’t miss out on pay-day!
-They know that people are counting on them. Do we? Many of these workers have families in financial need. They may even work because their pay supports loved ones thousands of miles away. Nobody else can provide this assistance. How easily we forget how much people are counting on us! We are the only glimpse of Jesus many people will ever see. Do we still care for those dying without Him? Let’s think beyond ourselves (Philippians 2:3-5)!
In His Love,
Pastor Keith