THU 07 SEPT
MISSION STRETCHES
READ Jonah 3:7-8 Acts 15:1-35
FOCUS ‘Don’t let any person or animal taste anything... Let people and animals alike be covered with black cloth.’ Jonah 3:7-8
We are blessed to have thousands of people in our church, which is marvellous. There are many who would love to see something similar happen in their locality. But when we pray for growth, we must face the harsh reality that growth is messy, disruptive, and hard work. When it comes to mission, the answer to our prayers rarely looks like we imagined. One of the greatest miracles of the New Testament was the transition the infant church made in accepting that Gentiles could be saved; it demanded a major paradigm shift in their thinking (Acts 15:1-35). So we pray for a more effective youth group, and suddenly young people with serious issues with drug abuse and alcohol start showing interest. Now Christian parents become understandably concerned – what effect is this going to have on their somewhat sheltered children? Who will influence whom? When God moves, the people most surprised by what He does are usually the guardians of His last move; so the greatest opponents of Jesus were the religious experts. A totally bizarre scene – which may have seemed like fanaticism – unfolds in Nineveh as even the animals are called to fast and wear sackcloth! Jonah would have reeled at the sight. How dare these Assyrians call upon the God of Israel! What passion they were showing – and what would the folks back home think? Let’s be aware of the implications of what we are praying for. The answer may bring some surprises and struggles. Prayer: Lord, give me grace and understanding when my prayers are answered in ways that I don’t anticipate. Amen. 67
