Heralds of Hope
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Heralds of Hope
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Riverside Bulletin - 07-01-07 "Heralds of Hope""HERALDS OF HOPE"Most people are oblivious to the pain of people about them. Of course, it's different when I become the victim of disaster or loss. Then I want the world to stop turning. Then I want the world to stop so I can get off. I want everyone to be aware of my personal emotional distress. I want folks to share my burden. If they don't notice it, I feel abandoned and all alone. Since Jesus shared our humanity, He knows the human condition. "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep" is a Biblical injunction, Romans 12:15. The world without Jesus featuring in it, is in labor and travail, Romans 8:20-22. God has made Christians the heralds of hope. In my class on Personal Evangelism at the Bible College, I expect all my students to bring God's Word to bear on the hurting world's trials. Since I don't want them to aggravate already painful situations, I require them to read Dale Carnegie's book, How To Win Friends and Influence People. This classic is couched in popular vernacular. The book itself has identified and distilled many Biblical axioms on how to get along with fellow pilgrims. Conversion to Christ is obviously the answer. It does not magically remove all trials and troubles, but it does take the sting out of misfortune. It fills the void of despair with a halo of hope. It gives assurance of a better tomorrow when sorrow will be no more, Revelation 21:4. On Wednesday evenings, we have heard various ones tell how they "met the Master." Raymond Doggett, 84, was baptized seventy-three years ago in a horse trough in a small Texas town. The town is gone but the horse trough is still there. It flooded his hearts with memories when he visited it in recent years. It marked the beginning of his walk with Jesus. After he was "buried" in that horse trough of water, he really started to live. Lyle McGuffin, 96, told of his abortive venture into the real estate business in Kerr County some forty years ago. When a Christian couple came seeking to purchase a lot, he had just about exhausted all of his resources. He was a desperate realtor. He wanted to sell them some land and they wanted to sell him on Jesus. He bought, they didn't! Now, paradoxically, he owns some real estate in heaven with a mansion on it! He even served as a missionary in South Africa in the 70's. Everett Rogers told of a cousin who invited him to church during a gospel meeting series. The message penetrated his heart and set a new course for him forever. Can we not see God at work in all of these situations? For Raymond, a handy place (today an abandoned horse trough) to obey Jesus marks the beginning for this veteran of the faith. For Lyle, it was a couple who wouldn't take "no" for an answer. For Everett, it was a caring relative who invited his inquisitive cousin. Though some people might dispute this, I believe that our beloved relatives still have the greatest influence on our lives. If that were not the case, why do we go to family reunions so faithfully? That means YOU and I are the first line of defense in breaking Satan's stranglehold on our families. Family reunions on earth indicate a deep-seated desire to gather at that greatest of all family reunions beyond the sky when God rings down the final curtain. When we place a soul on the altar of conversion, we have no idea what an amazing impact that will have on the world. Just look at these three heroes of the faith who dwell among us!! Ruth Keese set me straight on one thing! Raymond was pipped at the post as the longest-serving Christian among us at Riverside by the dear little lady herself. Seventy-four years ago, she rose from the waters of baptism and never looked back! She gets the blue ribbon!! Sorry, Raymond. Better luck next time! But never mind, there is a crown waiting for each of you (and us). Isn't it fun to be a Christian? Isn't it a great honor also? It is truly thrilling to work with Riverside and your conversion accounts are thrilling. The depth of discipleship here is mind-blowing. Don't let up. We are on a roll. Continue to evangelize, evangelize, evangelize! And invite, invite, invite! Continue to reach out. Keep the momentum going. You are heralds of hope in a day of despair! You are a light shining in a dark place. Love you all, |
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