Minister’s Letter – Tim Keller, wisdom personified!
Some would have been saddened to hear of Tim Keller’s death last week at the age of 72. Keller led an influential church in New York City, and over the last 15 years of his life published 24 books that received a wide readership among evangelical Christians and not a few sceptics. If you want a taste, start with his short book The Prodigal God, or listen to a few sermons at www.gospelinlife.com.
Reading Keller’s obituaries this week after reading Proverbs for our sermon series revealed just how much Keller embodied true Biblical wisdom. Some examples:
1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. In a smart and arrogant city like NYC, he knew the knowledge people really needed was that of the God of the Bible.
3:13 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding. He was insatiably curious; his deep thirst for understanding overflowing in his teaching and writing.
5:18 May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. He was married to Kathy for almost 50 years without a hint of scandal.
15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Famous for his gentle manner, many say they never heard him utter a cross word.
27:2 Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth. He was never one for self-promotion or bragging. That he was well-known was due to many things, but ego wasn’t one of them.
If you’ve benefitted from Tim Keller’s work, spend some time this week thanking God for his ministry and example, and pray God will be helping you walk in similar ways.
Martin Kemp
