Pastor's Blog

This week Glenn Cohen slipped the bonds of life and entered glory. He is now absent from his body, but present with his Lord. Glenn’s last few months have been difficult physically, but he never wavered in his faith in Jesus. And it was a fairly new faith for this Jewish man. You may not remember him, he was not around all that much. But if you’ve paid attention at all, you heard his story.

 

Glenn was blessed in life with a friend who loved Jesus. And who also loved Glenn. He was loved and guided and loved and mentored and loved some more by this friend, Mike Potier. Glenn had a hard life. He struggled a lot. Maybe now you remember Glenn. Mike shared Glenn’s journey to Jesus through his own eyes on a Sunday morning. He was a Jewish man with a set of problems heavier than truck. Or two. But slowly and persistently Mike shared Jesus with Glenn, even when Glenn made it clear he would hear no more of this Jesus. And then, one day, on Mike’s front porch as I recall, Glenn gave his life and his heart to Jesus. It’s a great story. It is the story of loving persistence.

 

But that day changed everything – the way Glenn lived the last months of life. The pain did not drive him away from his new-found Savior. In fact, the opposite was true. Though he did not understand the workings of God, he kept his faith firm in Jesus. His desire was to bring God glory even as he lied in bed. Always weaker. but ever faithful. The glory of God was displayed even as Glenn’s body wasted away.

 

As Glenn rejoices in the presence of God this morning, who, may I ask, is the “Glenn” in your world? You probably have one. Who is it? Who is resisting your mention of Jesus? Who scoffs behind your back at the simplicity of your faith? Who won’t even let you mention the Savior in a conversation any more? Today, I think Glenn would say to us, hang in there. Stay faithful. Be kind and gracious and compassionate, but especially….don’t give up. Eternity hangs in the balance.

 

I am thankful that Mike Potier did just that. Some day when we all gather at the foot of the throne of grace, Glenn will be there. I have no doubt. As we see the tapestry of life unfold and we will see the story of God as told by Glenn Cohen. A Jew. A Believer in Jesus. To us, Mike’s friend. May we learn to keep praying for that friend of ours. May we be driven by a passionate love for Jesus. May we never be ashamed to stand and proclaim His Lordship to our friends and family. God will make all things right – so stand firm. Thanks, Mike, for your heart for God and your love for Jesus. May we follow your example and never give up on the “Glenn’s” of our lives.