Years ago, as my family and I were on our way to church, we stopped at a nearby convenience store. My husband’s parents were with us and my father in law just needed to run inside and buy some mints (a must have for before and after church fellowship). Before my father in law could get both of his feet out of the car, my youngest son yelled from the back of our van, “Appacha (Grandpa), please don’t tell anyone in there about Jesus or else we will be late to church.”
It was a funny (and ironic) statement.
Funny, because my son simply verbalized what the rest of us were thinking. Ironic, because…well, isn’t that what church is all about? Jesus.
My boys had taken enough walks and gone to enough stores with their grandfather. They knew, if God prompted his heart, he would not miss out on an opportunity to introduce someone to Jesus. It didn’t matter that his English was limited, he knew enough to share the gospel.
He would either tell you about Jesus, invite you to church or give you a Bible (he’s even been known to do all three).
My father in law doesn’t see color or race, he sees souls. And if that soul has not met Jesus yet, he sees an opportunity.
In Jeremiah chapter 1, the Lord appointed a very hesitant Jeremiah to be ‘a prophet to the nations.’ Despite Jeremiah’s ‘But Lord, This isn’t my thing,’ rebuttal, the Lord continued. “You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you.” (NIV)
You and I have the same mandate.
In Matthew 24, Jesus ends His lengthy discourse on the end times with a challenge to every believer. “Who then is the faithful and wise servant…It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.”
In other words, our Master has given us a job to do. Are we doing it?
We may not have the boldness of my father in law (just yet), but we can pray and ask the Lord to open our eyes for opportunities to share His love. I have no doubt He will hear our prayer!
I was so inspired by the video clip below.
It is a practical example of how we can share the gospel. Like many of us, my friend, Stinson Mathai, grew up in church. He enjoyed the fellowship of church but was cynical and skeptical of Christianity itself…until a friend stepped in. This friend invited him to dinner and then boldly asked him a question which eventually led him to experience a true encounter with Christ.
Stinson’s story begins at 41 minutes and lasts only 4 minutes. I hope you will take the time to watch it. I know you will be encouraged and hopefully even motivated. I know I was!
Lord, give us Your heart for every soul You have created.
The harvest is plenty, the laborers are you and I.
-Binu
