Over the weekend I said goodbye to a friend with which I had become unusually close named Mark. The gospel of Mark that is.

For 315 days his account of Jesus’ life and ministry occupied my thinking in all manner of ways. Sometimes I could have exploded in joy at the discoveries of Mark’s unique portrayal of Christ. Other times I nearly cried out in frustration, wanting the earliest gospel writer to give me more on a particular topic. But overall, I have deep gratitude for Mark. What clarity he gives us about Christ! Is there anything more valuable in a friendship?

In eighteen months of church planting we have preached through 1 Timothy, Ruth, Haggai, and Mark. Yet, for some reason saying goodbye to Mark has affected me in ways I couldn’t put into words.

Until yesterday.

EXPOSITION AS THE MINISTRY OF ETERNITY

On the way home from picking my wife up at the airport¹ I realized just what was pricking my soul: I probably will never preach on Mark again. Sure, I may preach a sermon here or there on a particular passage, but I would be quite surprised if I walk through the whole book again. The finality of it all is quite saddening, but oh so useful.

For I have uncovered what is, at least for me, yet another benefit of systematic exposition: it is a powerful reminder of death. Realizing that you may never preach through the book again, never get a chance to do it over and improve it, helps a man learn to number his days and get a heart of wisdom (Ps. 90:12). It helps the preacher minister God’s eternal word with the weight of eternity on his heart. Such a lesson couldn’t have been learned anywhere else than befriending God’s word.

Mark has been a wonderful friend. If you haven’t gotten to know him well, I commend him to you with the highest regards. He will teach, warn, and encourage you in unexpectedly glorious ways.

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