An Open Letter to My Old Friend, Arthur Zee –

Dear Art,
As I sit here thinking about you today, I am very appreciative of your friendship early in life. We had some mighty good times talking together over a cup of coffee, didn’t we, Art? You often cheered me up, and I look back on those days with fondness. Now we’ve advanced a good deal through life, from those “good old days.” But we can still remember them, and we can still find a way to encourage each other. At least, I hope that I can be an encouragement to you, my “old friend Art.”

As I think about the different paths that you and I took in life, I remember how you entered business, and became very successful. You just seemed to have the talent, and one might say, the expertise, for that. And besides your natural suitability, you got a business education in the very best schools, and I congratulate you on that. Business seemed to fit your personality, and your individual interests, to a “T.” Now you are no doubt reaping the earthly rewards from such a brilliant career in business. You’ve been able to have an expensive home, and a great car. You’ve educated your children well. And I believe that you’ve traveled a lot on vacation with your wife, and seen many parts of the world.

On the other hand, I chose the way of the ministry. When we were young, you and I talked about what we wanted to do with our lives. Do you remember that, Art? My thought was, and is to this day, that there’s nothing wrong with business, or with the professions, or farming, etc., and I could probably take an interest in several of them. But, -- my desire was to be a servant of the Lord, “full time.” So I went to college and graduate school, to learn to be the best pastor that I could be. Over the years since that time, I’ve been able to preach the Word of God, pray with many people, and participate in the growth of the work of the Lord, worldwide.

Art, now that you’ve retired and seen the world in large part, what will you do next? You’ve helped your children get established in their own homes and families. You and your wife still seem to be in good health. So what is “over the next hill,” or “over the horizon” for you now? Will you travel even more? Will you start a new career? Will you take up singing, or photography, or learn to be a mountain-climbing guide, or what? Have any ideas? Then if you do, what about after that – after you retire for the last time? Do you have an eternal home to go to when your earthly journey is done?

That is my own firm and steadfast hope, and I wish it were yours, too. I actually know, not that I’m wishing so or hoping so, but actually know that I will be at home with our Lord and Savior when my earthly journey is done. Now I say that, not based on anything I have ever done, or could ever do, to deserve such a future. No, indeed! It is only because of what was done for me (and for you, too, Art, my friend) when our Savior gave His life on the “Old Rugged Cross,” i.e. the Cross at Calvary, so long ago. That most terrible death of His took place because of the love that the Father in Heaven has for you and me, and for everyone.

Art, my hope for you now is that you will hear the love from God that I have in my heart for you as a dear friend, and that you will consider the claims that our Savior has on your life. There is a day coming, for both of us, and for everyone else, when all that we’ve known, and done, and loved here, in this world, will be gone. On that day, all that will matter is what we have done with our Savior in this life. Have we trusted Him thoroughly for our past, present, and future? Or have we neglected Him, and pursued only the pleasures of this life?

May I ask one more thing, my friend – would you please take some time soon, to read and carefully study the Gospel of John in the New Testament (often called the “Fourth Gospel”)? It will answer many of your questions about the highest meaning and purpose that anyone can have in life. And then, when you have read, and re-read it several times, would you let me how it affects you? And I want you to know for sure, that if you have any questions about what you read in the Gospel of John, I would like to know them, and have the privilege of talking with (or writing to you) about them. It is such a wonderful life, and it is meant for you as well as for me!

Sincerely, from your old and dear friend,
“PapaPops”