These thoughts are inspired by a recent visit to Hemsworth Christian Fellowship from Steve & Kimberley Horner of “Catch The Fire,” East Anglia:
Imagine two fishermen in a rowing-boat in the middle of a lake.
Everything is still and quiet.
There the fishermen wait for a catch. The only disturbance is an occasional beer can open sound effect.
Other than that, it’s complete silence. – Fishermen like it that way. Heaven!
Meanwhile; way beneath the boat – the fish have gathered, unaware of a waiting trap with bait.
Then, out of the blue comes the most dreadful. The most un-welcome! The most unwanted!
Quickly and without warning, the silence is broken!
There, in the distance, the sound of something in rapid advancement can be heard.
A constant buzz from a boat engine is coming there way.
Even before it comes into sight, they can hear it coming!
But, for the fishermen, the sound needs no explanation. It’s a high speed power-boat!
What is more, pulled behind the power-boat are a couple of individuals skimming on the surface of the water.
Then, the inevitable happens.
The approaching power-boat causes a water spray – with a ripple of waves on the surface of the water to splash against the fishing boat.
The stability of the small rowing-boat becomes unsteady, and the men with their pinned oars and fishing gear are thrown into disorder!
At the same time, the rowdy skiers make matters worse with their unconventional excitement.
What a hubbub!
Suddenly, the place which was free from disturbance, is surrounded by activity!
The noisy intrusion brings complete havoc.
As a consequence the fisherman become rattled. Their annoyed!
The fishermens” boat continues to rock, and if things couldn’t get any worse, the fish have disappeared!
Question:
As we make this even more intriguing, we’re going to ask you – if Jesus was in this story, where would He be?
Would He be in the rowing-boat with the two fishermen?
Maybe in the high speed power-boat, or even skiing?
Some have suggested, well, He could walk on water, how about that?
Our Answer:
Well folks, we reckon that Jesus would be piloting the power-boat.
Here’s another way to put it: Jesus is the Captain of the power-boat, His disciples or followers are water skiing – having a whale of a time!
The Pharisees are the guys in the rowing-boat, never wanting to see anything changed – always self-righteous or sanctimonious – with a “We’ve always done it this way attitude!”
A Different Perspective:
Now consider this: The power-boat represents the Church. The skiers represent the Culture and Society we live in.
The Church is the one leading the way.
Yet once again, the guys in the rowing-boat are the first to get upset when things are changed!
After all, why upset the status quo?
Friends, maybe it’s time for us as individuals to climb out of our comfort zone to where Jesus is.
You Tube:
Voice Of Truth – Casting Crowns.
Hemsworth Christian Fellowship:
Hemsworth Christian Fellowship.
Get-aCROSS:
Get-aCROSS: Helping to get The Message across in a clear and precise way.
Buzz Words:
Bible words from 1 Corinthians 2: The Message.
I love these words spoken by Paul:-
“When I first came to you to let you in on God’s master stroke, I didn’t try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who He is; then Jesus and what He did – Jesus crucified. I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate – I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it – and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God’s Spirit and God’s power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God’s power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else.”
Hum!
Does this sound familiar?
Paul wasn’t the first, and he certainly wouldn’t be the last to feel so inadequate!
Are you feeling incapable, lacking the necessary skill or knowledge? Unqualified?
Hey! We have this reassurance -
God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called
Come on!
Buzz Words:
Words from Proverbs 25: New Century Version.
“The right word spoken at the right time is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver bowl.”
How refreshing!
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia.
Hum!
Lord, help me to use my words appropriately, clearly and with no delay – just at the right time.
Help me to find the right words, to be considerate and encouraging – with remarks genuine, sincere and truthful.
Help me to guard what I say.