Tuesday 14 July 2015

Psalm: Psalm 41

Background

Today's reading is a reminder of a central belief of theChristian faith: that God is for everyone and desires that allpeople come to know God's love.

I have never met anyone who takes this charge more seriouslythan the Revd Steve Wild, the current President of the MethodistConference - though perhaps 'seriously' isn't the right word as Idon't think I've ever come across someone so full of joy andlaughter and life.

In his inaugural address to the 2015 MethodistConference, Steve implored us all, "Let's take God seriously. Iwant to help us in the task of evangelism, to put mission on theagenda and give our churches an aim to win a person for Christ."That's a pretty daunting prospect for those of us (including me)who find the idea of evangelism more than a little unsettling -it's not that I'm not in favour of faith-sharing, nor that I thinkit's not my responsibility - I just feel ill-equipped, as if Idon't know where to begin.

Luckily, the author of today's passage gives us a clue: "Firstof all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions,and thanksgivings be made for everyone...". Prayer is the beginningof all evangelism and must be the first priority of those seekingto follow God's call. Those of us who don't know where to beginneedn't despair and we mustn't allow ourselves to be paralysed atthe thought of the task God has set before us. Instead, we shouldreturn to our knees in prayer, trusting that we will be equipped torespond to that call.
 

To Ponder

• What would it mean for you to 'take God seriously'?

• How do you respond when daunted by a task that has been setbefore you?