Why i love John Owen.

This is why i love John Owen. He is known as a great thinker, but he was in heart and calling a true Shepard.  The letter below was addressed to Owen’s best friend, Charles Fleetwood. It was written on August 23, 1683, the day before Owen died. In it you see the heart of a man who cares for people, and trust's God to take care of his church. Even as the last traces of light and life pass from him - he is God-Exalting, Other-focus and Christ-centered. I also was moved at the friendship Owen shared with Fleetwood. The kind of deep kinship that only shared faith and ministry in the trenches can bring. As you read hear between the lines the brotherhood only born of faith and service side by side.

“Dear Sir,

Although I am not able to write one word myself, yet I am very desirous to speak one more word to you in this world, and do it by the hand of my wife. The continuance of your entire kindness is not only greatly valued by me, but will be a refreshment to me, as it is, even in my dying hour.

I am going to Him whom my soul has loved, or rather who has loved me with an everlasting love, — which is the whole ground of all my consolation. The passage is very wearisome, through strong pains of various sorts, which are all issued in an intermittent fever.

All things were provided to carry me to London today, according to the advice of my physicians. But we are all disappointed by my utter disability to undertake the journey.

I am leaving the ship of the church in a storm. But while the great Pilot is in it, the loss of a poor under-rower will be inconsiderable. Live, and pray, and hope, and wait patiently, and do not despond. The promise stands invincible, that He will never leave us, nor forsake us.

I am greatly afflicted at the ailments of your dear wife. The good Lord stand by her and support her and deliver her. My affectionate respects to her, and the rest of your family, who are so dear to me in the Lord.

Remember your dying friend with all fervency. I rest upon it that you do so, and am yours entirely,

John Owen”

Why do i love John Owen? Because we both love the same God. Because he reminds me shepherding can be a solitary post, yet it is not without deep abiding friendships. Most notably, He gives me an example that lights my path and points me into my calling.

End Note
–John Owen, “Life of Dr. Owen,” in The Works of John Owen, ed. William Goold, 24 vols. (Edinburgh: Johnson & Hunter; 1850-1855; reprint by Banner of Truth, 1965), Vol. 1:ciii.

I dedicate this to Mark, Travis, and Mathew, thanks brothers