July 20, 2015

“But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ” Romans 10:14-17

“Christ came not to force and compel them who would not be brought into the way. Christ saves no man against his will. There is a word crept into the later school that deludes many a man. They call it irresistibility and they would have it mean that when G*d would have a man, he will lay hold upon him by such a power of grace as no perverseness of that man can possibly resist. The grace of G*d is more powerful than any resistance of any man or devil. Force and violence, pecuniary and bloody laws, are not the right way to bring men to religion, in cases where there is nothing in consideration but religion merely. He came not to compel man…”He came to call.”
John Donne (1572 – 1631) A sermon, “The Showing Forth of Christ”, “For All The Saints” volume IV (p. 292-293)

“Christ saves no man against his will.” But G*d will come to us when we can least resist — when we are deepest in the hole, furthest from the shore line, and facing the gravest diagnosis. Christ will come in the person who sits down to say “I care”. Christ will come in the one who reaches down with a hand to pull you out of the hole. Christ will come to sit beside you to say “We will face this diagnosis together”. Christ calls all of us to be the hands and feet of Christ — to be the one sent — to be the one to proclaim that the kingdom has come near. G*d is calling you — you are not forced to listen — you are not compelled to respond. But, at some point, Christ will get your attention — saying “come if you are weary — I will give you rest” — and resistance will be futile.

Pastor Dave