2 Corinthians 11:16-32

After All You’ve Been Through

Every time I read this chapter I am reminded of a story told by Judson Cornwall about himself. Judson came from a family of preachers. He was not only a third generation pastor but he also had a brother and sister who became pastors. I had the rich privilege of hearing both Judson and his sister Iverna Tompkins speak at our church in the early 1980’s.

This story was one that Judson told concerning a particularly difficult time in his life. I don’t remember the specifics, and am not sure he actually shared them, but the situation was so bad that he pleaded with the Lord to allow him to leave this life and “go home”. Apparently, the Lord agreed to Judson’s prayer and a certain date was selected for when this would happen. (I’m not quite sure how you arrange these things with God, but it’s not my story.)

Shortly after the “arrangements” were made Judson received an invitation to speak on one of those Charismatic Christian Cruises in the Caribbean. His sister Iverna was also a featured speaker along with David du Plessis who was considered one of the main founders of the Charismatic movement. Judson agreed to go thinking it would be nice to see his sister again before his departure.

On the first day of the cruise Judson encountered Iverna in the dinning room. After a few minutes of conversation Iverna stopped and stared at Judson. “You’ve heard something from God!” she exclaimed. “What did He tell you?” Judson was a little peeved that Iverna had discerned this and was not about to tell her that he had an agreement for God to take him home on a certain day. After a few minutes of trying to pry the information out of her brother Iverna exited with the line, “Well, if you won’t tell me I’ll ask Him myself.”

The next morning at breakfast Iverna entered the dinning room with a somewhat smug expression. She sit down by Judson and said, “So! You’re going to go home to be with the Lord?” At this Judson was fairly ticked off at God for blabbing to his sister, but it was going to get worse. “Well, I have a word from God for you,” she continued, “they don’t want you up there! He only agreed to this because you’re such a cry baby.” (You have to know Iverna.)

Judson stormed out of the dinning hall and went up to the top deck thinking he could be alone. Close, but not quite. When he arrived at the top deck he saw David du Plessis standing with his back to him looking out to sea. Even more miffed Judson went to the opposite end of the deck and looked out the other side still steaming at God. A few minutes later Judson felt the arm of David du Plessis slip over his shoulder and heard David’s grandfatherly voice say, “So, you’re going home to be with the Lord?” At this Judson broke and poured out his heart about all of the trials and tribulations he had endured as a minister. When he finished, du Plessis simply said in a calm reassuring voice, “I understand, but would you do me one favor? When you get there would you please go up to the apostle Paul and explain to him everything you have suffered for the gospel?”

Now, read today’s passage again and you will understand why Judson canceled his reservation. (FYI, Judson Cornwall did go home to be with the Lord on February 11, 2005. He was 80.)