Recently, some of The Rock pastors went to a regional pastor’s conference in Denver. At the end of a session on outreach, the speaker challenged us to go for a walk with a buddy, discuss what we learned, and look for a Gospel opportunity.
I went for a walk with one of the leaders from Colorado and we were having a good conversation. Suddenly, a man named Jason stopped us. He told us that he represented an organization fighting for human rights around the world. He wanted us to join and support that organization. We listened politely to his speech, thanked him, and kept walking. I hadn’t seen a Gospel opportunity.
But, on our return walk, I saw Jason again. I thought to myself, “This IS my Gospel opportunity!” Realizing that, I said to him, “Jason, I appreciate your care for human rights around the world. I care about your soul and I would like to give you this tract.” I handed him a Gospel tract. Jason gave me a big smile and said, “I already know that stuff. I don’t need it.” However, a woman standing nearby (from the same group) said, “Well, I want to read it.” He handed it to her and she started reading.
We had to get back for the next session, so we said good-bye. As we left, two things struck me.
One, people are promoting their causes all around us. Are we working for the Cause that will matter for eternity? It’s people’s souls. Two, are we looking for a Gospel opportunity consistently? Jesus said in John 4:35b, “Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.”
Lifting up my eyes,
Josh
Posted in A Word from the Pastor