Why am I here?

A philosopher will say that this is a typical existential question, and I agree. However, I will not focus on the existential side of the question today. In light of the theme: “Momentum” (1), the question simply relates to the fact that I am serving God in Eastern Europe Territory today, and have done so for some years.

Last weekend we were together with people who are considering the calling to become an officer in The Salvation Army, and we reflected on many subjects linked to the calling. In the final meeting on Sunday morning, I preached on the most important pre-condition of all: 

Availability. 

When I prepared for the sermon I realized that I could have chosen a huge number of Biblical texts that support the importance of availability. I ended up with using the brief narrative about the calling of Levi:

After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.
Luke 5:27-28

I don’t think that Jesus primarily was looking for a tax collector or any other particular skills when he was creating his team of disciples. He was looking for people who were available. People ready to move with the calling. In the ‘Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard’ (2), the landowner did not ask for qualifications when he went to hire workers in his vineyard. He hired those who were available at ‘any hour of the day’. I believe God is constantly looking for available people. The Bible tells us that he does not always succeed. “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.” (3) When Jesus called Levi, he was available and he showed his availability through immediately responding to the calling by getting up, leaving everything behind and following Jesus.

That I am available is the main reason why I am here and I thank God for the opportunity. In the everyday life of my ministry in this exciting part of the world, I want to be available for the prompting of the Spirit at ‘any hour of the day’. I wish for the same for all my brothers and sisters sharing the same ministry!

‘Manna’ for today:

Here I am Lord – available!

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(1) Momentum – the movement caused by the impulse from The holy spirit is the theme for 2018 in Eastern Europe Territory.
(2) Matthew 20:1-16
(3) Ezekiel 22:30

Talents as fuel for movement

In his beautiful song “All that I am”, Bill Himes prays: “Take every passion, every skill, take all my dreams and bend them to your will” (1). In this sentence he touches three of the four important factors influencing my movements as a disciple of Jesus: Passion, Skills (or Talents) and ‘Dreams and Will’ which are part of my personality.

It is interesting that Jesus did not seem to be very concerned about talents when he called his disciples. He seemed to be more focused on “availability” than anything else. Discipleship is primarily a call to follow after him. Availability was the ‘talent’ the first twelve disciples had in common; availability was the common factor for the workers in the parable of the vineyard (2).

But when availability is announced, like Himes does in his song: “My all I give, Lord, for you I’ll live, Lord, come what may” (1) – God wants us to use all our talents to spread His love.

My greatest desire is to see people saved through faith in Jesus Christ. This can happen in many denominations. However, one of my reasons choosing The Salvation Army is because it gives me an arena where I can use all my talents.

I have some small talents in many areas. I love to write, and I have been trusted with opportunities to do so. I love to play musical instruments, and in The Salvation Army I have had almost unlimited possibilities of using my limited skills. I love languages and I have been sent to places where I have been able to use languages I did not think would be within my reach to learn. I love to use tools, build and repair properties – and guess what… yes, of course it has been useful. I love to be with people and share thoughts and life with them…. The list is long. Fortunately in God’s kingdom one person does not need to do everything himself because he is part of a body of believers with extreme reserves of talents.

Do you think that the boy who placed his five loaves and two fishes in the hands of Jesus had foreseen what was going to happen? (3)  Neither should you judge the value of your talents before you place them in the same hand.

‘Manna’ for tody:

Do it – and be surprised by God!

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(1) Link to the English text HERE - Youtube
(2) Matthew 20:1-16
(3) John 6:1-13