The Word: An empty jar of deliciousness

Published 6:00 am Sunday, August 3, 2025

“But my salvation will last forever, and my righteousness will never be shattered (Isaiah 51:6, CSB).”

Rev. J. Cameron Bailey

It’s believed the phrase “All good things must come to an end” originated from Geoffrey Chaucers 1300’s poem Troilus and Criseyde. To quote actor Chris Evans’ nephew: “I don’t wike it”. Why do good things have to come to an end?!?!

This week I enjoyed the last sweet, savory taste of my favorite apple butter. “Oh, come on, my chunky preacher friend. It’s apple butter. You can find it everywhere (and, if you think you make the best, send me a sample and I’ll let you know).” Not this one. This was Bobs. Bob Moulden made the best apple butter.

Bob is now worshiping in Glory forever and ever. I’m jealous. Every person leaves behind a legacy. This contagious minister of the Gospel loved life. His passion to preach, sing, tell of his hunting dogs, and of his amazing family (especially his daughter Kim, my personal favorite) will never be forgotten. His life leaves a trail of joy that leads straight to Jesus.

He preached with conviction knowing the truth of Christ deep in his bones. Whether in the pulpit, on mission fields across the world, in the woods huntin’, or standing in the back yard being the center of attention…Bob had a knack for helping people meet Jesus. Behind his hearty laugh was a man who saw God’s fingerprints everywhere.

I can’t read Psalm 34:8 without thinking about Bob: “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” Bob helped people taste that goodness — not just in the kitchen, but in the way he lived. He showed how faith wasn’t about religion but relationship. It was about bringing joy, hope, and comfort to others — preferably with a fresh biscuit and a heaping scoop of that apple butter.

I now have an empty jar of deliciousness. But, good things don’t need to come to an end. We carry it forward. We preach Jesus boldly, love people deeply, serve humbly. Like those apples, we slowly simmer, taking our time to make life better. We live in such a way that people say, “If that’s what following Jesus looks like, pass me a spoon and a Bible — I’m in.”

We can’t hear his stories nor hear him sing, can’t hear his laugh nor see that contagious smile…but I know for fact, his “salvation will last forever”. He’s Home. Good things don’t come to an end. We carry them from here. We keep them going by living out that legacy (and continuing to make that apple butter). The best is yet to come.

Rev. J. Cameron Bailey is pastor of Kenbridge Christian Church. He can be reached at jamescameronbailey@gmail.com.