For January’s post I’d like to share something I heard recently about a physician who was burdened about the welfare of one of his patients. It illustrates the importance of preaching, but also the limits of our work…
There was a primary care doctor who was taking care of an elderly patient with some serious health issues. The gentleman seemed not to recognize just how dire his health situation was. He thought he had a touch of pneumonia when it turns out he had congestive heart failure. Even after a hospital stay, the man still didn't seem to realize how important it was to listen to his doctor's instructions. He took his medicine when he wanted to, but often forgot his daily dose. All the while, as this man was rolling merrily along, seemingly unaware of the fact that he was walking through the valley of the shadow of death, the physician was burdened, praying and laboring and looking for a way to get through to the man. Then someone told him, all you can do is give him the information. Do your best to inform him of his need and offer the best medical advice you can. Beyond that, there is really nothing you can do to pierce through a stubborn heart.
Now, isn’t that a parable of Gospel preaching and evangelizing (a.k.a. soul-winning)? All we can do is all we can do. God’s Word and His Holy Spirit, the Comforter, must do the heart work.
Furthermore, it is a stark reminder that THE LIFE-BREATH OF CHRISTIANITY, OF HEALTHY CHURCHES, OF GOD’S CHILDREN, IS NOT OUR TALENT, OR EVEN OUR HARD WORK. IT IS PRAYER: ACTIVE DEPENDENCE UPON GOD.
“Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him” (Isaiah 40:9-10 ESV).
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