The traffic crawled southbound on highway 75. Evacuees from Florida heading back to their devastated homes. We were driving north to Macon for our Tuesday Celebrating Life in Recovery meeting a day after hurricane Irma had ripped thru several states including here in Georgia.
On Monday as I was sitting here writing my blog, we lost power. Throughout the day the storm grew in intensity. At one point, we ventured out to deliver a birthday present to our grandson driving through the area where at least one tree had brought down the power lines which had caused our black out. All along the way was rain and wind-driven damage. But we felt blessed and prayerful because we knew the destruction would not approach what Texas and now Florida was suffering through.
Once we returned home we spent the rest of the day watching the storm as it approached, was right over and finally moved past us. By 4:00 pm things began to calm down. We knew it would be a night without power and as the daylight faded we headed to bed thankful and thoughtful of God’s mercy.
As I was lying in bed in the pitch blackness, I noticed something was missing, something I had never noticed before. The green light of electric razor’s power charger was not glowing. I knew why for sure, but I guess I had never thought of how that soft green light had affected me during the night. As I lay there now I knew that I was missing the comfort of its glow. Strangely it led me to think how often we spend time waiting for a green light.
My disjointed thoughts turned to what Jesus said when He gave us the great commission, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15) Wow, that seemed to be quite a jump from missing a soft glowing green light to thinking about some of the last words spoken by the Savior. But maybe not.
It is true that I hate red lights and am always jockeying to hit an intersection when I have the green. But when it comes to my “green light” to go into the world and spread the Good News. It seems I am willing to sit at red all day or maybe for an eternity.
There are some days that I do not even speak about the saving power of Jesus with anyone my wife or do a thing to show the love His love either. Yes, three days a week I write this blog trying to share what the Lord has done in my life in hopes that it will touch someone out in cyber space. Praying that it spreads the Good News of Jesus Christ. But is that enough? Is there more?
My favorite Christian author, Ellen White, wrote this,” The Spirit and the bride say, Come.” (Revelation 22: 17) Everyone who hears is to repeat the invitation. Whatever one’s calling in life, his first interest should be to win souls to Christ. He may not be able to speak to congregations, but he can work for individuals. To them he can communicate instructions received from his Lord. Ministry does not consist alone in preaching. Those minister who relieve the sick and suffering, helping the needy, speaking words of comfort to the desponding and those of little faith. Nigh and afar off are souls weighed down by a sense of guilt. It is not hardship, toil, or poverty that degrades humanity. It is guilt, wrongdoing. This brings dissatisfaction. Christ would have His servants minister to sin-sick souls.” (Go Teach All Nations, Chapter 86, page 822)
It is easy enough to think that my ‘go’ is limited to ideas and words. But am I living the Gospel message? Today I have to say no. The problem is that I am not alone. Most of us who claim to be followers of Jesus can talk the talk, but when it comes to walking the walk…. Well, that might be outside our comfort zone. And I know in my heart that is exactly where we should be.
In Mark 15:16 Jesus said to go. The next word is ‘preach’ but it is better translated, proclaim. And what better way to do that then live a life where we are not just sharing what Jesus said, but doing as He did. Being a servant to all…tall order for all of us idling at the red light, but not impossible if we are seeking the Holy Spirit’s leading throughout each day.
We got our power back on yesterday after 30 some hours, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the local power company working around the clock. Our thanks to them here and in all the hurricane affected areas. Last night as I was staring at the greenish glow once again there to comfort me. I felt a little uncomfortable too. It is said the Lord works in mysterious ways. Today I am in awe of that again. While waiting for the green light, He reminded me, green means go and today I know He is asking me to do just that. My prayer is I will in every way. How about you?
Blessings John
9/13/17