Discipleship, Bible, Christian, Studies – C.S. Lewis Institute

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So what are we to learn about discipleship from the life of this shy, almost unnoticed, follower of Jesus?

Before I address this question, I would like to ask you a question: Who do you believe was the most influential disciple maker among the apostles and disciples of the first century? If you say, “Paul,” we’ll be in agreement. The whole body of Jesus Christ feels the influence of Paul today when we read the New Testament letters, most of which he wrote.

But would the man who called himself the “chief of sinners,” Saul of Tarsus, ever have been what he became without an Ananias or a Barnabas?

Ananias was willing to meet with Saul when every other first-century follower of Jesus feared him. Barnabas, too, sought him out, even traveled long distances to meet with him privately. Later he partnered with him on a journey that would change Paul's identity and launched him into a work of God that would impact every generation for twenty centuries. As I write this story today, I wonder, would we have the Book of Romans or the New Testament as it is without Ananias or Barnabas and their investment in Paul?

I believe God wanted us to have the canon of Scripture we have today; just the same, I’m thankful for the contribution made to Paul by these lesser-known men.

So what are the lessons we learn from Roy Cook’s life?

Most are not new; even so, they are good reminders. These are the four most important to me:

1. There is no limit to what God can do if we don’t care who gets the credit.  
2. Long-range, daily faithfulness in prayer coupled with reading, memorization, and meditation on Scripture reap great gain.
3. Investing large amounts of time with one faithful person, possibly more gifted than myself, also has great reward.
4. Anyone can love a shy introvert like Roy Cook, as did Loda Coe, and tell him that Jesus has a plan for his or her life; Anyone can give his or her heart to one other person, as did Roy Cook.

 May God grant us more witnesses like Loda Coe, who will love the unattractive. And, more faithful disciplers like Roy Cook. 

James R. Hiskey is a founder of the C.S. Lewis Institute along with Dr. James Houston. Jim has been a golf pro since 1958, a former P.G.A. Tour player and instructor, and founder and Senior Editor of the Links Letter. He and his wife Lorraine live in Annapolis, Maryland and have three children and eight grandchildren.