From the Pastor’s Heart

[ Jesus said] You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
I’m sure some of you have felt the frustration of a slow-moving line at the checkout in a grocery store. No matter how hard I try to check out quickly, I often find myself in a line that takes forever to move through. One particular evening, I was at the super market, standing in line at one of the few registers that were open, and there was a problem with the scanner. As I waited, I struck up a conversation with the woman standing in line ahead of me.
After a few moments of sharing small talk, I asked her what she did for a living. She told me that she was a police officer. Soon, much to her surprise, we had even more to talk about. Finally, she asked me what I did for a living. When I told her I was a pastor she smiled then turned her head and focused her attention elsewhere. In the few seconds following my answer, I realized this was the reaction I had anticipated. When folks ask me my profession, my answer often becomes a conversation killer. Comments usually range from “Oh, that’s nice.” to “uh huh.” This instance seemed no different, so I just waited for the cashier to begin ringing up my groceries.
A few seconds later a woman standing behind me asked, “Where is your church?” I told her where St. Jacob’s was located, and again, this woman turned away. Finally, the officer ahead of me looked at me and asked, “Do you know of a church in Lexington where I might attend? I’m new in town and when people find out I’m a cop they usually find someone else to talk to.” She went on to say that she really didn’t know anyone in town but that she would love to find a church near her home. “Sure” I told her, “Go see my friends at St. Peter’s.” Now, to be honest, I’m not really sure if she indeed went over to St. Peter’s, but I did recognize that this young woman had a hunger for the gospel.
As is the case of so many people, the world is filled with problems, issues and distractions that grab their attention and fill their hearts and minds with worry, doubt and anxiety. It is so easy to focus on the headlines of our lives and forget that we do in fact have good news that satisfies the hunger deep within our hearts and souls. Everywhere we go there are people who are hungry and thirsting for the gospel of Christ Jesus. As children of God, we are called to proclaim this good news, even when we think people don’t want to listen. The power of the gospel is such that once the seed is planted, growth will occur. We may not realize how or when the good news takes root, but God assures us that even as we plant the seed of his Word, the Holy Spirit will most certainly cause it to grow.
Sharing our faith with others, especially those who have not heard the gospel of Christ, is the calling of every Christian. God gathers us in worship, shares his Word through song, reading and preaching, and then feeds us from his table of grace so that we are enabled and equipped to tell others of Christ. God sends us out as witnesses to the power of God’s love and the abundance of his grace.
It doesn’t matter if one turns away when you share your faith with them. The seed is still planted. It doesn’t matter if another shuns you as you bring God’s message of salvation. What matters is that each one of us takes up the cross of Christ, serves our neighbors out of love, and bears witness to God whose mercy and forgiveness through Christ Jesus is eternal and meant for all people. Only when we do this will we bring the good news to those who long to be a part of God’s eternal kingdom.
As you ponder this message, think about those instances when you might share the gospel with a stranger. Then pray for confidence and clarity in your proclamation. Pray for those with whom you share your faith. God’s word will not come back empty of this you can be sure.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila