Not Law in Legislation, But His Love Through Us

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”    John 3:16-17 (HCSB)

In the next few days there are going to be some decisions handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court that have the potential to get people outraged. I believe it is a distraction. Whatever the government of the U.S. does, is not going to change God’s plan by one sentence or phrase. Jesus never spoke against the Roman government. He did not call His disciples to arms. He did not come to make Himself a ruler in this world.

A wise young woman named Leah once taught me this lesson: You can change the world by just investing in two people. Share your faith, share your life with two people and watch God multiple that as those two each share with two more!

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I seemed to remember that she had worked out the math to know that if we kept Jesus’ pattern all the world would be touched in a matter of years. Remember Jesus began with just twelve.

John Wesley said, “Give me one hundred men who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergyman or laymen, they alone will shake the gates of Hell and set up the kingdom of Heaven upon the earth.” I suspect with his mother’s approval Wesley would take women as well in that 100!

Jesus never said to go and legislate the Kingdom into existence. He said to go and make disciples just as He did, by teaching and sharing what we have learned from Him. There are no shortcuts. There is no easy way or instant way to make changes. There is only God’s Way. People are not going to come to know the LORD through legislation. They will know Him through Jesus’ ambassadors. That’s me and you.

It often happens that we will find that a pastor or teacher comes along in our fellowship and they just don’t “light up our lives.” They may have a different delivery style or try to be friendly but they are just a bit socially inept. Have you ever heard someone say, “If you don’t like your pastor/teacher, pray for him/her!” Frankly, I should pray for people who teach me whether I like them or not! And the same is true for my president, mayor, or boss. Why would I not pray for them? Do I doubt the power of the Holy Spirit to change them? God used a donkey. He uses me. Why wouldn’t God use whoever is in a government office? He used Pilate, didn’t He? And Pilate was horrifically notorious even for Roman standards! By not praying, believing in the power of God, we doubt that He can do what He has promised to do. We are saying, “Here, God, let me help You with this world problem. It’s beyond Your abilities. I know You want me to go and make disciples and be Your ambassador but I have some extra time here. I can do this too.” Until I do a perfect job in the harvest that I have been given, maybe I shouldn’t take on any jobs I haven’t been told to do!

God’s Kingdom will come to fruition when Jesus comes back. How large will the cloud of witnesses be? How many people will come with me to heaven? Who have I touched this week with God’s powerful love and healing words? Who has heard what Jesus has done in my life today? Jesus came to convict not condemn.

When Jesus stood up, He said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

11“No one, Lord,” she answered.

“Neither do I condemn you,”said Jesus.“Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”     John 8:10-11 (HCSB)

Jesus went against those who wanted to stone this woman that they had caught in adultery. Jesus did not condemn her but instead told her what to do. Simply, make a turn and don’t sin anymore.

For two years, my son sat and listened to Rev Steve Hill preach about sin and repentance. “His eyes, Mom. His eyes could look inside me and I’d feel the conviction. But I also knew he loved me.” My son knew this man preached with the heart of Jesus. And that is what we are all to share – the heart of Jesus. Let us keep our hands to plow, our eyes on Jesus, and be productive Kingdom Builders.

Holy Love written and sung by Andy Park