One of the most sobering thoughts that ever crossed my mind is one that keeps crossing it over and over again. It’s the thought of finishing well or finishing poorly. I don’t have the statistics in front of me. You can google them if you like. But I have heard that the majority of biblical figures lived lives where they finished poorly. That’s sobering. What’s more sobering to me is how often I have seen the same thing play out in the lives of Christians I know. Decades of faithful Christian service erased by bitterness, selfishness, or apathy. God — kill me before you allow that to happen to me.

One of my chaplains was Pastor Jim Vandervort. I remember him coming to Curwensville and taking me out to eat. As we talked, he told me his story and listened to mine. In his conversation, I sensed the spirit of a man who was in love with Jesus and cared deeply for people. Although he was retired, several weeks ago, Pastor Vandervort asked the pastor of Somerset Alliance Church for the opportunity to preach. As he preached, it became evident to anyone listening that he was delivering his last sermon. His daughter Karen said she sensed this as he was preaching, as did others in the congregation.

Twenty-one days later, Pastor Vandervort went to be with the Lord.

You can hear Pastor Vandervort’s sermon on the Somerset Alliance Church Web site. What a wonderful way to conclude a great preaching ministry. Just go to www.somersetalliance.org and click on Media & Resources then Launch Sermon Player at the bottom. Scroll down to 2/6/11 and you can play the sermon from there.

Take a listen and let me know what you think.

May we all finish well the race that has been set before us.