Issue 1330 – Turtles – December 28, 2023
The scene: beside the bustling highway lay a serene pond, a hidden gem with its own charm, a mix of slough and open waters. Two tiny turtles perched on a floating log, soaking in the sun’s warmth.
I have seen hundreds of similar scenes both before and since, but that one image lingers vividly in my memory. What struck me was the turtles’ utter tranquillity amidst the constant stream of cars, oblivious to the world around them.
Sometimes, our churches can resemble that peaceful pond, but we must be vigilant not to get stuck there and let the needs of the world pass us by.
The local church is meant to be a sanctuary of sorts. It’s the place God created for broken people to find peace, hope, love, forgiveness, mercy and healing. At the same time, God also designed it to equip believers for outreach to those lost and hurting in a dark world. Our mission isn’t to stay isolated but to engage with the world.
Jesus told a story about a man and a feast:
“He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.'” Luke 14:12-24
Our mission isn’t to stay isolated but to engage with the world.
That parable Jesus shared about the feast? It speaks volumes about who is called to the table and the need to seek beyond the familiar:
Our task is to invite the overlooked and marginalized. It’s to share the gospel’s truth with them, showing that the narrow way is open for all who will truly seek it.
The true blessings are found in coming to Christ and serving Him.
The Master’s table welcomes everyone, especially those shunned elsewhere. As His servants, we’re tasked with seeking them out, extending heartfelt invitations.
Thankfully, the Lord equips us with His Spirit and the Word for this purpose. We aren’t confined to solitary logs; there’s a grander design for His church, and we’re invited to play a part.
The pond’s expanse exceeds what meets the eye, echoing God’s vast movement.
Let’s ask for opportunities to share the incredible tale of God’s boundless abundance with others.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the Glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 KF “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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