Maranatha
Text: 1 Corinthians 16:21-24
Theme: Protect the fellowship because Jesus is coming soon.
Key verses: “I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accused. Our Lord, come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen” (v. 21-24).
What I believe God said to me: Good morning, Dwayne. Did you ever see yourself in Sri Lanka and training leaders in South Asian countries as you are? You didn’t, but I did. I ordained these good works of yours before you were even born. This is all part of my holy and high plan for you–to be a blessing to the nations and to help lead my people back to true, whole-hearted worship. I love you, son. I’m with you, and I’m for you today. Don’t fret about your future. Trust me to continue to guide and provide. More doors will open for you and for NLWI. As I’ve assured you since you were a child, there are new heights to climb and a new place in me you will find. One of the most important roles for church leaders like yourself is to protect the flock and the closeness of the flock. Paul invested much of his final words in Romans to this important exhortation. Notice that Paul wanted them to know that he personally penned the greeting. He didn’t designate that to his helpers or volunteer workers. He greeted them himself. So must you, Dwayne. Yes, you need to wisely use your time, and delegate to others certain tasks on your behalf. But not this task. Invest ample time with people, getting to know them, hearing their hearts, learning what they love and need. Hardily greet those I’ve brought into your fellowship. Be sincere in your concern and joy to know and see them. At the same time, greeting others doesn’t necessarily mean greeting everyone. At times there may be wolves among the sheep. You are not to be friendly and dismissive toward their sins and ill-motives. They should be accursed, excommunicated. I.e., they should be kicked out of the fellowship. It may seem harsh, but that is exactly what strong church discipline can look like at times. Paul wasn’t being unloving or unmerciful here. He was protecting those he was responsible for. Entrust such divisive and rebellious people to me. I love them, and perhaps in time they will grow to love me. Meanwhile, don’t allow mean-hearted, love-less people to stay among your group. Your job is to encourage my saints and spur my Church on to holiness and spiritual health. Paul ended his letter to the Romans with two powerfully revealing blessings of grace to them from my Son and of love from Paul. Note that his powerful benediction was meant for them all, and it could only be found Christ Jesus.
What I said to God: Father, thank You for meeting with me here in this hotel room in Sri Lanka. I am honored that Your presence goes before me and walks with me no matter where I am in the world. I cannot imagine the pure evil that exists in the world through those who don’t truly love You. And yet, I see the effects of evil around me. Please Lord help me protect those You’ve entrusted to me and to our ministry. Help me be bold to stand against evil in any form and to always look for Your appearing. Even so, Lord Jesus, come. May that be the prayer of Your people and our daily hope for Your imminent and awesome return.