It’s one of my favorite times of year. The transition to fall with all of its various shades, cooler temps, and clearing landscape, is just the nudge needed to nestle in with a sweatshirt or a blanket and a good book. Or maybe the book isn’t even in the picture. Just quiet reflection on the porch is pretty high on my list as well; watching the squirrels gather or listening to the rustling of the deer just beyond the tree line.
The last several days it’s been challenging to stay focused. I hear a comment and instantly think, “Oh gosh! I need to write about that”. Or a podcast or talk radio host puts an idea in my mind and I’m like that squirrel looking for all the nuts. Our world is a very complex place right now and there are countless opportunities to make choices that will have a tremendous impact. But we’re easily swayed or influenced and find ourselves not actually accomplishing anything. We get caught up in the conversation, the narrative, the rhetoric, and ultimately, we can become part of the problem instead.
Yesterday, I believe a very clear and distinct line was drawn. Did you notice? In a memorial service that was broadcast to the entire world, the gospel good news was presented on a scale never before seen. Pastors, friends, business associates, and musicians stood boldly in the shoes of a man who went before them. For some, this was likely the first time to ever publicly proclaim Jesus in any way. Regardless of whether this was the first time or too many times to count. No matter if they were a believer all of their life or only recently. Truth be told, even hearing about the gospel from someone who isn’t genuine could be used by God for His glory and purpose. The result of the message isn’t up to us. God takes care of that part. We’re only responsible for being obedient to the calling.
There are people out here in the world who need to know Jesus. They need to see Jesus. They’re searching; desperately seeking. Tired of the cliche statements. Not interested in hypocrisy. They want something tangible and real. They need to believe their suffering means something.
All around my house are fields ready for harvest. But without workers, the crop will sit there and go to waste. We can make excuses: That’s the preacher’s job, I wouldn’t know what to say, that’s not my calling. At the end of the day, none of those excuses fly. We’re to speak the gospel good news boldly. That was courageously demonstrated by the life that was celebrated yesterday. Without apology. No excuses. With courage and conviction. The stage has been set.
Are we likely to offend people? Most definitely. Jesus himself offended people. His words were offensive. But remember, the results aren’t up to us. Just go do the work. That’s all. Romans says, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?”
Luke 10:2 ~ The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.