God’s First, Best, and Preferrable Plan…
“We are not called just to be people who follow Jesus.
We are called to be people who turn around and teach others how to do the same.
We are called to make disciples –
– no excuses and no exceptions.”
(Dave Stovall)
I read the above quoted in a book I was reading as I flew home from a speaking event in New Brunswick this past weekend.
It was followed by Psalm 40 and verse 10, which has clung to my heart since.
The talons of David’s little Psalm got it’s grip on me, and has not yet released.
Here’s how it reads in the ESV:
I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
from the great congregation.
I believe it is true –
my mouth has trouble keeping silent.
You see, the Lord’s salvation rocked my world; oh, so! many! years! ago! (55 years next month!)…
…when His peace filled my heart;
and, hope and joy, which I still do not have words for in my word-nerd-vocabulary, overflowed.
It has not left me.
Paul once said,
“I am compelled to preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16, NET).”
It pressed heavy upon his heart…
…it burned with an overwhelming urgency to declare what the Lord had done for him.
Paul’s history with Jesus was tongue-ready…and, it hadn’t been a pretty one.
Like Peter, he was quick to tell “the stories of the hope that was within him (1 Peter 3:15).”
“Woe,” he said, “if I do not.”
“My grief will be deep.”
“My heart might explode.”
I do love what I get to do; I love my calling; my ministry.
Throughout each year, the Lord allows me to travel to far away places, to share my stories of the hope within me.
I get the word Paul used: compelled (no, I am not a “preacher,” but, please let me tell my stories).
An almost forcible, Holy-Spirit-drive moves me to want to speak Jesus as opportunities open.
So, as mentioned, I recently returned from such an event.
As I journeyed home, the following question popped into my head.
“It almost seems as if speaking at events is sufficient; but, how do you do with the one-on-one conversations? Do you hide your words in your heart? Are you as excited to open your mouth, turn around, and speak of God’s deliverance, salvation, faithfulness, and steadfast love in those moments? Or do you prefer to pick the size of your congregation?”
Well, ouch!
I’ve wrestled since with the conviction…
And, I confess I want to be ready with a good-word on my lips whenever the Lord gives me a congregation of any size!
*****
So, through the song of a young, exiled David, I hear a rhythm that beats with the same need for similar expression.
Don’t hide it –
Never conceal it –
Don’t bury it under a bushel –
Oh! No! Reveal it.
Speak…
Use your words (we used to tell our kids);
Tell the congregation,
the one right in front of you, no matter if it’s not myriads.
The God-of-the-Bible still delivers,
excels in salvation,
and, great is His faithfulness…
from generation to generation.
His mercy breaks forth,
new with each morning’s dawn.
He pours out goodness, steadfast love,
and His peace leads us on.
I am called to follow my Lord;
but, also, to turn around–
in order to effectively teach
His perfect truth that is always sound.
*****
How is your “turning around?”
How ready are your stories-of-the-hope-within?
Do you like to pick the size of your congregation (maybe, you and I are polar opposites)?
OF THIS I AM CERTAIN…
I continue to hear God-whispers in my ear –
The world needs TRUTH more than ever!
It needs to hear sound, loving doctrine from our mouths.
Jesus-followers, we are called to be disciple makers.
This is His first, best, and preferable plan:
Turn around!
Don’t hide your words in your heart.
Tell of Him…
Speak kindly,
Speak often,
BUT,
SPEAK!
