Monday, March 30, 2009

Some Notes.

A pastor from Kenya came and spoke at my church this Sunday and shared an incredible message. It provoked me.

I am, by nature, an avid note taker. But somehow, during this Sunday's sermon, I was so riveted by what was being submitted to me that I couldn't even break my attention long enough to jot down a few notes. I regret it, because I wish I could have literally swallowed everything he shared. I was crying the entire sermon, and I'm not even sure why.

He spoke of fire being shut up in our bones. A fire that we cannot even hope to contain. As he spoke that very fire inside of me shook me to the core. I realized that no matter how content I may begin to feel in my walk with Christ, there is a deep yearning in my soul to be ablaze. "Come be the fire inside of me until You and I are one... You won't relent until you have it all."

As the pastor stood and spoke, I realized something so potent. The call that has been rooted deep inside of me for years, is still very, very much alive. It's burning. Still burning. It was so hot when it was placed within me, that even through years without fanning, it's still white hot. Tears streamed down my face as I realized that I cannot shake this fire. I cannot lose this calling. He won't relent until He has it all--all of me. He desires to be one with me and will not relent until it is true.

I was able to write down just a couple of lines...

"The place of your vision is the place of your responsibility."


"I must work the works of Him who sent me while it is still day. The night is coming when no one can work. This mission cannot wait. I must work."

I was so struck by this sermon. Few sermons have so deeply moved me. But I was shaken.

I feel as though in the Christian community, we have become so locked on End Times study, that we have somehow forgotten our commission. Our commission to GO YE AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH, MAKING DISCIPLES. We've forgotten. We become comfortable in our home groups, and our theological debates. But there are those who have not yet seen. Those who have not yet heard.

I must go. I must work. The night is coming when no one can work... We must work while it is still day. The sun must not set until our work is done.

You Won't Relent

Thought I'd share this link to a great Misty Edwards song.