Grace Givers Among Mercy Scorners

Discussing the War
In a Paris Coffee House

Gratefully, no one took polls at the time of Jesus’ birth. We know the word made the rounds among shepherds, but it was nothing to warrant an “approval rating.” Had the angels done their flash mob in Jerusalem instead of a pasture that might have been another matter. It certainly would have galvanized Herod to action sooner. Herod understood – babies grow up to be adults, and adults can be irritating. Had the populace realized what this infant was going to become his soldiers might not have been necessary. There could have been a community riot demanding that God go back where he came from, much like we see emerging today.

Consider the reception Jesus’ followers have received when they have “invaded” communities with the message of God’s mercy. I refer to those who offered that mercy in a context of grace ministries to the needs of the people around them. They started hospitals and schools; they dug wells and brought relief from disasters among people who lived by the rule of survival of the fittest. And, in the process, they were harassed, persecuted and murdered.

Jesus himself demonstrated that the gospel of God’s mercy in salvation is proclaimed by walking grace-full-ly among those who that reject mercy. He knew most people wanted nothing to do with mercy; but he was alert to those who did – the one leper in ten, the woman in the crowd, the man in the tree, and many who heard him say, “Your sins are forgiven.” And so we must be. 

Like the people of Jesus’ day, the rabble majority eventually will be displeased with those who follow him and offer mercy on his terms. They will call them names and maybe even do a theme-and-variation on “Crucify Him!” But those followers will have succeeded in God’s mission. Because of them, mercy needers will have become mercy finders and a new generation of grace givers. 

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So, Will It be a Ford or a Chevy?

Back to the matter of choosing a car.

When a person makes being led by God primarily a circumstantial matter, rather than a matter of character integrity, he enters a maze where he can become hopelessly lost. In fact, the process can become so complex his faith may stall.

Too many choices are elevated to the level of "God's perfect will." Even the choice to pursue a biblical ministry such as the pastorate can cause a person to flounder.

Most choices are comparable to friendships, not marriages. Biblically, there are only two "marriage" scenarios: Man to woman, and believers to Christ in the Church. One is designed to be permanent. The other IS permanent.

When a person makes any other choice a matter of a one-and-only-one right possibility he will be apt to "marry" his choice. In so doing he may become dedicated to the choice rather than sensitive to God's providential directions. If he does not understand this he may see any change as a kind of "divorce." A missionary may lose his identity and even struggle with his faith if God circumstantially brings him home. Someone else may second-guess himself and his spirituality if the car he bought turns out to be a "lemon." After all, how could that have been God's best will? What did he miss?

Remember: God's clearly stated will has to do with making us like Jesus. Our life "calling" is to follow Christ. That does not change. Other "callings" are subject to God's redirection. Therefore...

In making a choice determine if a sin issue is involved. If not, then...

Do your homework. Then...

Make your choice and trust God to use that choice to lead you where He wants you. And, finally...

Be forewarned: The best choices (even right over wrong) will NOT be problem free.

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