Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 1 Thessalonians 5:14
The Word of God needs no introduction; so here are some verses to gain your attention.
The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them:
Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.
And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
The burden of the call I consider is enveloped with this thought, where are those that once attended church?
I have many observations and opinions about a lot of happenings in the local church over 45 years because I witnessed a lot of happenings in the local church. (poor use of the English language but you get the point)
Just over the past few days, many faces have crossed my mind and I have first-hand experience about their church experience. However, they no longer attend! Why? The answer to this question is of critical importance! These Christians who once had a spiritual home and family so need that again! They must be reached!
It would be easy to pass blame and doing so would answer many questions about these Christians who no longer serve. However, approaching this issue in that way isn’t appropriate at this juncture.
Asking the Lord to empower someone whether me or another to reach these people is, indeed, appropriate. I have no idea how the Lord will lead in this burden or what doors will open or close. Please pray for these forgotten Christians.
A few simple thoughts from the verses above: Jesus was very concerned about the physical needs of those He encountered and healed with compassion. We know that His primary mission was to seek and to save that which was lost.
I can’t help but think that the multitudes with physical ailments mentioned in the above verses can be related to the multitudes with spiritual ailments. Spiritual healing must be afforded to those cast out and trodden down under the foot of man. Christ wants the lame healed not turned away. Make ready a feast, a stirring of the waters and an open door at the temple for the forgotten Christian.
3 thoughts on “Call With a Burden”
Ezekiel 37:9b
9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.