Some of us are familiar with the name Bill Lear. Lear is best known as the father of the Lear jet. Bill Lear made a childhood resolution to make enough money so that he could not be stopped from finishing anything. A tinkerer, inventor, and self-made millionaire, Lear made a fortune with the Learoscope and other navigational aids for aviation. He later branched out into stereo systems and communications satellites. He was in his sixties when he launched the first Learjet, producing the ultimate personal aircraft at a price that most top executives could not resist. At 65, Lear sold the business, but did not like the life-style of a Beverly Hills millionaire. So he established a laboratory in Reno, Nevada, where he worked on developing a better steam engine and improving his jet aircraft. Lear kept working, even when he knew he was dying of leukemia. His last words to one of his colleagues were, "Finish it? You bet we'll finish it."

Jesus' last words to his disciples were "Go make disciples...." In other words, finish what we have begun. And that is his command to us today. Finish what Christ started. Finish what Paul and Apollos added. Finish what millions of saints through the ages, including many who are dear to us, have added to that. Like the Grand Canyon, God's temple is still happening--still growing--still changing. And we are part of it.