Our
attitude toward Israel has a strong impact on the heart of God. One of
the clearest teachings of scripture is that God will bless those who
bless Israel. Boaz stated that blessing to Ruth when he heard how she
had loved and stood by her mother-in-law Naomi, who is symbolic of
Israel in the book of Ruth. This
was a reward that I believe was also pronounced on our beloved Doc
Linfield Crowder. “The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given
you by the Lord God of Israel under whose wings you have come for
refuge.” (Ruth 2:12) Doc was blessed and was a blessing to so many
because of the “full reward” that he had received. Doc was one of the
continuing inspirations in Bonnie’s and my life. Bonnie was one of his
many adopted daughters. He came and held meetings in the churches we
pastored; my daughter’s favorite house guest (and ours too) was Doctor
Crowder. And yet the best times were the times we spent together in
Israel.
(Photo: Doc Crowder and Ed Smelser on the Mount of Olives)
Linfield Crowder was a
friend of Israel. He knew every important site in the land. He knew things
about the Holy Land that some guides don’t know. He had insights into
scripture that left the Israelis speechless. He was an amazing guide, a
gracious Tour Host, and powerful teacher and Israel was his favorite
pulpit. When the paths of our tour groups crossed, we stopped to soak up
some of Doc’s wit, wisdom and unique & qualified insights. We were
always enlightened with tasty new food for thought.
Our last hours together
were long conversations while he received dialysis. I was refreshed as
I asked him to retell stories. He did not miss a detail, and he could
only talk for a short time before he “felt a shout coming on”. It
was at the last session together with a twinkle in his eye he "smote" me
with a mantle of anointing for the salvation of the Jewish People.
Doc Crowder was the most
refreshing ministry to grace the churches I have pastored. He was a
true friend with a wealth of wisdom that he dispensed only on request.
His legacy will live always. God bless this Man of God, our friend,
Linfield Crowder.
