A couple of days ago, I posted commentary on the issue of awareness. Today, let's continue with the second aspect of service: advocacy.
If I may borrow from Pastor Rick and Pastor Sam, Not all Christians recognize the need to be advocates for the people of God. As we read the accounts of the feeding of the five thousand men (not counting women and children), let us eavesdrop on how the disciples responded to the plight of the people.
- "Philip answered Him, 'It would take more than half a year's wages to buy enough bread for each one to have just a bite!' Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up. 'Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?'" (John 6:7-9)
- "By this time it was late in the day, so His disciples came to Him. 'This is a remote place,' they said, 'and it's already very late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.'" (Mark 6:35-36; also see Matthew 14:15)
- "Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to Him and said, 'Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.'" (Luke 9:12)
Is this our response to the crowds of the twenty-first century? Are we content to see the people attend our church services, yet malcontent when Jesus points out needs that require us to step over the bounds of church service and move into community service? What is our attitude toward advocacy?
Jesus, no. You know we don't have the money available. This would wipe out our budget, and the people will be hungry again in the morning.
Jesus, no. You know this is a remote area and not the safest at night. Just say the benediction and get these people out of here.
Jesus, yes. I can sleep on the couch this week so that one of the visiting missionaries can sleep comfortably in my room. He shouldn't have to sleep on a church pew.
God, in His goodness, moves us to do His will. We may look with eyes of doubt, but He invites us to see what He sees. He invites us to consider what we might be able to do in order to extend His grace and love to the world. Sometimes, the extension of His grace means that we must bear the "inconvenience" of a longer service, or the implementation of a program we have not planned for, or the provision of food and lodging to house the people to whom we are ministering (or, who are ministering to us).
Advocacy says yes to the question of meeting need. It is a "yes" that trusts God to make things happen. Our advocacy begins not with financing nor square footage; it begins with a heart open to God, a heart that trusts the Lord to do great and mighty things on behalf of His people.
Listen today to the voice of the Lord. Who is He asking you to help?
Spirit of the Lord, make us to be like You. Make us advocates.
Jesus, no. You know we don't have the money available. This would wipe out our budget, and the people will be hungry again in the morning.
Jesus, no. You know this is a remote area and not the safest at night. Just say the benediction and get these people out of here.
Jesus, yes. I can sleep on the couch this week so that one of the visiting missionaries can sleep comfortably in my room. He shouldn't have to sleep on a church pew.
God, in His goodness, moves us to do His will. We may look with eyes of doubt, but He invites us to see what He sees. He invites us to consider what we might be able to do in order to extend His grace and love to the world. Sometimes, the extension of His grace means that we must bear the "inconvenience" of a longer service, or the implementation of a program we have not planned for, or the provision of food and lodging to house the people to whom we are ministering (or, who are ministering to us).
Advocacy says yes to the question of meeting need. It is a "yes" that trusts God to make things happen. Our advocacy begins not with financing nor square footage; it begins with a heart open to God, a heart that trusts the Lord to do great and mighty things on behalf of His people.
Listen today to the voice of the Lord. Who is He asking you to help?
Spirit of the Lord, make us to be like You. Make us advocates.
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