"What are the disciples to do when they encounter opposition and cannot penetrate the hearts of men? They must admit that in no circumstances do they possess any rights or powers over others, and that they have no direct access to them. The only way to reach others is through him in whose hands they are themselves like all other men. The disciples are taught to pray, and so they learn that the only way to reach others is by praying to God. Judgement and forgiveness are always in the hands of God. He closes and he opens. But the disciples must ask, they must seek and knock, and then God will hear them. They have to learn that thier anxiety and concern for others must drive them to intercession."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer--The Cost of Discipleship--p.167
I read these words this morning with a sense of de ja vu, the morning before, our friend expounded that we as the church often have "outreach/evangelism" wrong. We admire the strong leader who has a strong vision and the church follows to create more churches (and more buildings or bigger ones) and inevitably the focus becomes on programs and the "to do" list so many needs require. As we look closer to Scripture and Jesus's example, we see the opposite happening: Jesus through his Holy Spirit disciples his followers, they become transformed and committed to Him and each other, form a spiritual commuity and move outward to touch others in His name. No need for bigger or better church facilities, the emphasis is on relationship and prayer, small groups of believers keeping the sacraments and their love God and for neighbors front and center. Bonhoeffer points out that we cannot force or manipulate people into the kingdom, that our present frantic acitivity must be turned into intimate intercession. A realization that we are in the same hands that our unbelieving neighbor is, and the need for the same grace, same forgiveness, same need for spiritual closeness and community. We need to bring people to Jesus, not to church. Our inner witness and life-change will naturally overflow its banks into tea times, movie theatres, Superstore line-ups, playgrounds and hospital waiting rooms. Let us remind ourselves why we are here on this planet and how deep our lives are planted into Christ, in intercession, in the fact that God has judgement and forgiveness in His hands. Ask, seek, knock!
