I work at America's Keswick with men who have lived through the worst things a human being can experience. They have known every kind of sin and the darkness of addiction. Some have spent years in prison. Many of these men shouldn't even be alive today because of the dangers they exposed themselves to. But when they find Jesus Christ the transformation is wonderful.
A while ago I was listening to one of these men give his testimony. Stack up this man's life against mine, reveal a bit of our past, and ask the man on the street to judge us-- there would be no contest. I have a family. This colony man wrecked his family. I've been faithful to my wife, he has cheated on his. I have been honest in my dealings, and my wife and children love me. This fellow has burned every bridge behind him, and destroyed relationships through selfishness, lust, lies, and deceit.
As I listened to this man tell his story before about 500 people that night, I was struck by something; it was the humble, yet eloquent and unashamed expression of deep love for the One who had so recently saved him. He had sought the Lord from the hellish pit he was in, and Jesus Christ had loved him and lifted this broken man. It was so real, and so very believable this simple expression of love for his savior.
And there I stood in the back of the Activity Center watching and listening. And then God spoke to me, and I understood that the Lord was well-pleased with that man--more well pleased than he was with me in that moment.
My past didn't matter. His past didn't matter. In that moment, he was far better off than me. God is the God of the present, and the simple truth was that my heart was lukewarm, but this man's was red-hot with love and gratitude.
"Truly I understand that God shows no partiality..." (Peter in Acts 10)
Brothers and Sisters, pray for me, that my little love will somehow be fanned into flames of love like I saw in that Colony of Mercy man that night. I cannot coast on my past, or expect special favor or status simply because I have a long history with the Lord. I do not want to be the Pharisee, or the older brother in Luke 15.
God, help us to seek you with new strength this year, to know you, and to love you personally and passionately.
Peter, Thanks for your honesty.
ReplyDeleteTwo thoughts come to mind....
First, it is a mercy of god to be made aware of lukewarmness. This is a blessing in itself. The greater danger is to be lukewarm and not know it.
Secondly, this man's recent conversion is a fulfillment of Hosea's prophecy."and in the place where they are called "not my people", there shall they be called, "my people", "and loved". God's mercy is often extended to those by whom we are repulsed. This was Jonah's problem. The Ninevites where a dispised people to the Jews. God often saves those whom we feel are hopeless and wicked beyond measure. Am I willing to bring the Gospel to, and care for, people I dispise? Lord have mercy on me if I answer this question with a no.
My thoughts.....
JR
Actually, Lord have mercy on me if I dispise any people groups.
ReplyDeleteMy "second" thoughts...
JR
Thank you JR. I do hope there was no hint in my post that I despise these men in any way. I consider it a great mercy to have been raised in a Christian home where I was taught to fear God early.
ReplyDeleteIf anything, I am sometimes envious of the love they feel for the Savior. I would much rather be the prodigal son returned home, than the cold, calculated older brother-- and, believe it or not, I would prefer that for my own sons, if it had to come down to it.
The world does indeed "despise" these men, sometimes, even after their 180 degree turn.
ReplyDeleteThey would never understand my post. Or how I could suggest that this wretched man with a criminal record was, in any sense, better off than me.
This some of the beauty and wonder of Christianity that moves me, and attracts me.
Peter, no implication was intended. I was more speaking of my own heart. I was thinking, what if God asked me to minister to communist oppressors. I was thinking of a people group that maybe I dispised, what if God called me, as He did Jonah, to minister to a national enemy. Like Jehadist Muslims. How would I handle it.
ReplyDeleteWhile the men at Keswick should never be dispised, nevertheless, their sin should be. Often, I mix hatred with sin with hatred of the sinner. So long in grace, so much remaining sin in my own heart. Who will deliver me from myself? Christ is my only hope.
JR
If God is not a respecter of persons or as the ESV puts it "shows no partiality or is without partiality. And if I am made in His image then I ought to be displaying that godlike quality. I must say woe is me. How often I lack this God-like trait. James encourages and rebukes me this way: "My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors". And Paul writes to Timothy: "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality". Lord help me not to prejudge men or show partiality. Help me to judge righteously without prejudgement or partiality. AMEN
ReplyDeleteEJK, whomever you are, you have my Amen.
ReplyDeleteJR