Pensees: Providential Encounter

Providential Encounter

One private blessing for me during the Shepherds Conference in LA that was granted by Providence was the “chance” encounter with Dr. Joel R. Beeke. Chris Metras and I were going through the GBI bookstore where he was handing out some kind of flyer promoting a new book from his organization. I took it, hardly paying attention, when I suddenly noticed his name tag.

“Oh,” said I, “are you the Joel Beeke that writes all about the Puritans?” (I pronounced his name bee-kee and I forgot to ask for clarification on the pronunciation of his name.)

He responded in the affirmative. I had just read something by this good man a week earlier on the theology of the great Puritan Richard Sibbes. Beeke is a modern day Puritan, I think, who hails from Dutch Reformed roots. One of the books that was given to us at the Shepherds Conference this year and the one I am probably most excited about is Beeke’s book, Meet the Puritans.

I already owned Joel Beeke’s The Quest for Full Assurance, but I picked up one that was for sale and had him sign it. I like having my books signed by their authors whenever possible. The living authors, that is.

Anyway, it was a pleasure to meet the man because his sermons and writings have been a blessing to me over the years. You can listen to him at sermonaudio.com. I read half of “The Quest” on my flight back from LA and should finish the rest of it this week.

I am truly grateful for all of God’s servants, past and present, who have been used by Him to strengthen my walk and build my faith.

I wonder what Dr. Beeke thought of John MacArthur’s opening speech? Hmmm. I missed a golden opportunity. I should have asked.