WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS

May 23

Bible Reading: John 21:20-23

John 21:21, “When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, what about this man?’”

The pending death of a loved one sometimes raises questions about life’s inequities in the minds of a patient and their family.  Others have their health and are free to pursue their goals and dreams. Why not me?  Some grow old having not faced any kind of debilitating illness, others are not so fortunate.  Such thinking can then lead to resentment, which then works to steal away a person’s joy and gratitude and desire to make the best use of their remaining days.

When Jesus informed Peter that he was going to die a martyr for his faith, he then asked what would happen with his fellow disciple, John.  We can’t be certain regarding his motivation for asking, but Jesus’ answer to the question holds for us some important lessons.

Jesus was well aware of what was going to pass in the lives of both men.  Their futures were in his hands.  He, the “Shepherd and Overseer Guardian of (their) souls” (1 Peter 2:25), would walk with them each step of the way in their journeys, until it was time for Him to bring them safely home to His heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:18).  He holds the same knowledge and has the same plans for you.

Though their futures would vary, His love for each did not.  He loved them both with a love immeasurable and everlasting.  He used them both—in amazing and God-honoring fashion!  Both fulfilled the ministry that God had pre-ordained for them to do (Ephesians 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:7).

It’s best then to keep our focus on Jesus and not on the bloom or blight of others as we determine to do our best in serving Him.  As John A. Broadus has said: “It is not for a laborer in the vineyard to choose himself where he will work, but only to work where he is placed. We know not what awaits us, but if in simplicity and godly sincerity, in such calling and circumstances as providence assigns us, we do make it our aim to glorify God, then whatever crashes and falls around us, life will not be failure, but will show our love and glorify our Saviour!” – John A. Broadus

We can’t change the past or see the future, but we can do our best to serve Jesus in our present.

I KNOW NOT WHAT THE FUTURE HATH
I know not what the future hath
Of marvel or surprise,
Assured alone that life and death
God’s mercy underlies.

And if my heart and flesh are weak
To bear an untried pain,
The bruised reed He will not break
But strengthen and sustain.

And Thou, O Lord, by whom are seen
Thy creatures as they be,
Forgive me if too close I learn
My human heart on Thee.

And so beside the silent sea
I wait the muffled oar:
No harm from Him can come to me
On ocean or on shore.

I know not where His island lift
Their fronded palms in air;
I only know I cannot drift
Beyond His love and care.

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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