Why I Listen to Ray Ortlund
I really appreciated The Gospel Coalition’s profile of Ray Ortlund the other week. I’ve heard Ray speak in person, read his books, and visited Immanuel Nashville. I often listen to his sermons almost every time he preaches.
In his book The Imperfect Disciple, Jared Wilson captures what I appreciate about Ray so much:
My friend Ray is the most Jesusy guy I know. Half of him seems to exist in the spiritual ether at all times. He simultaneously radiates a warmth, a gentleness, a sweetness, and an incredible strength. He reminds me of what Jesus in person must be like.
Once upon a time, when Ray and I pastored churches in the same city, we started a group for pastors to gather and share stories and be encouraged by the gospel. One day there were about four of us in Ray’s study, and Ray suddenly said, “Let me tell you about my friend Jesus.” And he started telling us about Jesus, and it became very clear that Ray actually knows Jesus. Like, he actually hangs out with him.
That’s a big reason why I appreciate Ray. The other is that he’s suffered. His sufferings have made him a better pastor. This post is evidence of that, and is probably my all-time favorite blog post by anyone.
Why do I listen to Ray? Five reasons.
- When Ray preaches, I hear the gospel. Ray is one of the best preachers I’ve heard when it comes to applying the gospel. When I begin the week, weary from a weekend’s ministry, I need to be refreshed and grounded in the gospel. I don’t listen to Ray to learn how to be a better preacher, although I do learn lots. I listen because I need the message that he preaches.
- I listen to Ray because Ray loves the church. If there’s one thing I get from Ray’s preaching, it’s that he loves his church and he can’t believe he has the privilege of serving as their pastor. I’ve benefited greatly from this example.
- I listen to Ray because he expects something to happen. I don’t know how many times he says that he’s done with church-as-usual. The first time I heard Ray speak, he said that he was conducting an experiment at Immanuel that would fail if God didn’t show up.
- I listen because Ray is building into the next generation. Who’d expect a 68-year-old man to pastor such a young congregation, and to influence so many younger pastors?
- I listen to Ray because he combines the insight of a scholar with the warmth of a pastor. It’s rare to find both qualities in a pastor, and he consistently delivers both.
I’m thankful for Ray, and for T.J. Tims, who’s on track to succeed him. If you’re looking for a refreshment in the gospel, and a good example to follow, you may appreciate listening to his sermons as well.
