There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that... the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. (Genesis 6:4 KJV)
Have you ever heard Tom Holland lead the hymn, “Never Grow Old?” I recently had that treat at a local area-wide gospel singing.
I almost couldn’t keep myself together. It was so moving I wanted to cry. I can’t say I’ve ever had that reaction with that particular song.
I think it was because of the look on Brother Holland's face, and the emotion with which he sang. His face exuded confidence, and at times it appeared as though he was looking with joy through space and time to that very land itself. His singing revealed the heart of a man who really was seeking that land he’d heard of in the Bible, and while he wasn’t quite ready to leave this land, he also couldn’t wait to get to that one.
Brother Holland made a statement after leading the song. He said that he had led that song as a young man, but now as an older man he could sing it and understand it.
Then he took his cane, and the arm of another brother in Christ, and found his seat.
If you’ve seen Brother Holland lately, you know that he’s not in the best of health. I don’t want you to think that I’m writing him into the grave, because I’m not. At the same time, he is doing exactly what he won’t do in that land of Heaven which he’s seeking. He is growing older.
I don’t think it would be out of place to call Brother Tom Holland a “giant of the faith.” Few men have dedicated as much of their lives to serving God and Christ’s church the way that this man has. The amount of influence he has had in the lives of the people who he has preached to, and even multitudes of preachers themselves, is immeasurable.
Though young, even I have sat at his feet countless times, or read and preached lessons I’ve learned from his writing. I’ve even had the privilege of working with Brother Holland in the studio at the Gospel Broadcasting Network to record episodes of his Front Porch program. I’ll remember those times fondly.
As I was gathering myself that evening, this thought occurred to me: Who is going to take his place? For that matter, who will take the place of the many other “giants” of the faith who are now aging, and going on to their reward?
Which men will step up in succeeding generations, and be “giants” of the faith?
Let me be clear: I’m not talking about “rockstar” preachers. They are a mere “flash in the pan.” They are the product of marketing, networking, and business savvy. They come, and they go.
The men I’m talking about wouldn’t do it for their own glory, but for the good of God’s people.
The reason they will be “giants” is because they sought first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33), and didn’t see godliness as a means for gain (1 Timothy 6:5).
They will immerse themselves in the study of God’s Word, and be living examples of what it says to be, thereby saving those who hear them (1 Timothy 4:12-16).
They will be raised up because of their humble service and sacrifice for the cause of Christ, and God himself will do the raising (James 4:6-10).
At the same time, it will be no accident. It will be because faithful men and women, teachers, preachers, and especially parents, encouraged young men to seek God rather than gain. It will be because those men took it upon themselves to seek the kingdom, and righteousness. Then, the giants will rise.
Will a boy in your Bible class be a giant? Will your son be a giant?
Will you be a giant?
-Daniel
