by PAIGE PATTERSON

FORT WORTH, Texas (SWBTS) – Paul’s underappreciated tribute to Onesiphorus in II Timothy 1:16-18 suggested itself afresh to my mind today when I read here in Spain of the home going of my precious friend, Jim Tatum. Paul said of Onesiphorus that he “often refreshed him,” and that he was not ashamed of Paul’s dependent circumstances. Further, he sought Paul out to assist him and “you know very well how many ways he ministered to me.” Had Paul known Jim Tatum, his judgment would have had the same ring, as hundreds of preachers will attest.

PATTERSON

“Son, don’t you need one of these suits,” I can still hear him say. “Two preaching suits for $100.” The student’s eyes drop as he mutters, “No, I do not need one today, sir.” Jim read him like the proverbial book. He did that with most preachers. “You do not have $50 do you, son? Well, I knew that God would send you by and you might have to do a funeral or a wedding any day. Come pick your two suits a shirt and two ties that the Lord just sent your way.” I heard it repeatedly.

But not only did Jim love the heralds of God, he was Bible teacher, faithful witness and preacher himself! Many greeted him in heaven yesterday, all there as a result of a marvelous soul-winner, who knew only too well that sharing Christ was the noblest of all enterprises. Jim loved his family; tolerated no negative thought about First Baptist, Jacksonville; prayed faithfully for pastors Lindsay, Vines and Brunson; and sold men’s clothing to support his own ministries. His generosity toward seminary students is proverbial on most of our campuses.

If God were to grant one favor to every pastor in America that could refresh and encourage them mightily, I would pray, “Dear Lord, please give to every pastor Onesiphorus and Jim Tatum to hold their hands aloft through the fight.” And I know that every pastor would be beautifully attired as he stood! God bless you forever, sweet servant of Christ.

Paige Patterson serves as president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas (www.swbts.edu/campusnews).

First Baptist Church of Perryville is located at 4800 W. Pulaski Hwy., Perryville, MD