We all have
friends or loved ones who have no relationship with the Lord. While our prayer
is for their salvation, we often ask the Lord to send someone into their life who
can influence their spiritual thinking. I’m reminded of the “Rich Man and Lazarus.”
Both men died and the rich man went to hell, while Lazarus went to the side of
Father Abraham. A great chasm separated them and the rich man was in agony and
fire with no one to comfort him. The rich man said to Abraham, “Then I beg you,
father, send Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five
brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of
torment” (Luke 16:27-28 NIV). I have to admit that I too fall
back on asking God to send someone…when what I really should be asking is for God
to send His Spirit.
1 comment:
Gail;
-----God’s Spirit is necessary in all things. God’s Spirit is not the only necessary thing. So it is the first element requested, but it should not be the last. Most often there are people more qualified at persuasion than ourselves. Yet, to our friends and family, we are the most available. When I was a boy, I liked to pop the powder pockets on the “ammo rolls” for my cap guns. A twenty ounce hammer worked well. A ten ounce hammer worked better. But really, even a rock popped them fine. When I wanted to pop my cap rolls where rocks were strewn about, I never went looking for a hammer.
-----I will be the first to admit, I never go, “Here am I, Lord, send me.” Well, honestly, I do sometimes, but with very certain measure. And when I do, I implore the Spirit’s preparation in me as much as its involvement with my “target”. But of all the jargon, lofty concepts, and memorized Scriptures which can be delivered, I’m beginning to learn nothing beats just being available with warm sincerity. Intimacy from sincere, tending care locates the heart of matters impressively. Impression opens ears and eyes a bit wider than any elegant treatise or emotive sermon. And the brevity of a simple message delivered in your own known words can get seed through such openings before their closure lops off any conclusions fancy oratory labors toward (I assure you, I’m an old wind-bag writing this from voluminous experience.)
-----I still think, “Send me,” at times. But more than that now, I pray for meaningful moments to open eyes and ears for delectable tidbits entering as a few words able to dislodge flows of thought. Although I will never stop training my mind to think deeper, I am now searching for simple delivery, prescient care, and a pocket full of tasty tidbits. Then I will feel sent anywhere.
Love you all,
Steve Corey
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