My Dear Shepherds,
Perhaps it’s an occupational hazard but needy people make me nervous. I suppose I’m afraid they’ll drain my emotions or distract me from what’s important. Things can get messy. They will require kindness. I know many pastors readily embrace the needy but I come in low on sympathy.
I’d claim the excuse, "I can’t help it," but God overrules with the story about the lame beggar who hit up Peter and John for money when they were on their way to pray. (What could be more important than going to pray?)
Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. (Acts 3:6-8)
I read this from a safe distance. Peter and John had miraculous power from Jesus I don’t seem to have. So I’m off the hook. But later, when they were called to give an account of their actions to the Sanhedrin, Peter described what had happened simply as "an act of kindness … by the name of Jesus Christ" (4:9). And I’m back on the hook, because kindness in Jesus’ name I can do.
I suspect none of us have a line in our job description stating, "Prioritize interruptions," or "Stop, whenever the Spirit leads, to do acts of kindness in Jesus’ name." Can you imagine that coming up in your annual job review? "On a scale of one to ten how would you rate yourself on spontaneous acts of kindness? Give examples."
This miracle sets off a dramatic sequence. A crowd comes running, giving rise to Peter’s powerful evangelistic sermon, which leads to threatening opposition, to the church’s powerful praying, to astonishing unity, more healings, and on and on. It’s good to remember that one unplanned "act of kindness by the name of Jesus Christ" may turn out to be more strategic for the gospel than anything to come out of our leadership retreat.
Pastors learn that God doesn’t expect us to help everyone with a need. He has this uncanny way of singling someone out for our attention. One voice in the crowd catches our ear. One person keeps coming to mind. We just happen to be passing through the Beautiful Gate at 3 p.m., on our way to pray, not realizing the Lord blocked out that time on our calendar to set a lame beggar jumping and praising God to the "wonder and astonishment" of all.
What the Spirit prompts us to do, even before his touch upon the other person, is a wonder all its own. We have their attention. They’re waiting. So now what? We can’t really prepare for these things and we don’t want to just bumble ahead or succumb to spiritual blurts. If we’re attentive, there will be a divine prompt. Do this. Say that. Sit quietly. Take them by the hand and lift them to their feet.
What happens next is out of our hands. The Spirit may work a miracle then and there or he may send us on our way, never knowing this side of heaven just what the kingdom agenda was. But when Jesus Christ is involved, grace always happens. A wash of forgiveness perhaps, or strengthened steps, healing love, hope kindled, or best of all, saving faith.
So let’s remember the riches we have to give. Remember, too, that man, "walking and jumping and praising God."
Be ye glad!
