The Christian faith is all about one word; “Resurrection.” It’s the central theme of the Gospel, and it’s the message told from the Cross. I lead with these basics for a specific reason, and it’s not merely Christianity 101. The message here to put it rather plainly; is to bring life from death, restoration and renewal, and the redemption of that which has been lost. I’m talking about the 10,000 lost people in our neighborhood: the baby Christians, the marginalized and the Least of These. This is our back yard, and this is where we have set up shop and chosen to do business. We are married to this community, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer. We are the bride of Christ. We are the little church that could. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Midland Heights….This is also going to be a statement about a word from God. A word that came to yours truly, and to other trusted servants within our family, and it all started with a proverb.
Proverbs 30:27
27 the locusts have no king,
yet all of them march in rank
You’re probably thinking; “What? That’s probably the most obscure verse I’ve ever heard!” This was the same thought that I had the first time I read it, but when a casual conversation turned up the same weird Proverb, I had to pay attention!
Coincidence defined- A minor miracle performed by God who would prefer at least for the time being, to remain anonymous.” –Author unknown
Ok God, what’s up? Why all the locusts and badgers, ants and lizards? If you were in church last Sunday, hopefully you have some idea of where I’m going with this already. But if you didn’t go, or if you did and still think I’m nuts, keep reading… For those that were there, and paying attention, this was the scripture that we as a congregation were supposed to be studying this week. This would be so that we might have a whole church Bible study the following week per out loving pastor’s request. Pretty cool, huh?
After I stumbled onto this scripture two weeks ago, I felt compelled to pray and meditate on it. Mind you, this was before I had the affirmation from another person that had also just read it. Proverbs 30 is one of the few in that book not written by Solomon. You can tell this by the writing style, and the wording. So as I’m meditating on this and trying to listen for God’s voice, I get an answer. ‘The people you need are coming to help you. I am sending leaders and those with gifts and talents specifically suited to the work I’m going to do here.’ You don’t have to lead them; you simply have to be ready to receive them.’ Now this is paraphrased for the sake of time, but the idea is clear. A great number of people from churches all over the river valley have been praying for the same thing; an interdenominational youth outreach center for the poorest most desolate neighborhoods in North Fort Smith… Right here where we do business, and in our own back yard. There are a number of people who have been given varying degrees of this vision from God. But like most BIG things of God, it’s going to take a cooperative effort of obedient souls who want to serve God’s purpose here. The goal is simple: reach as many young people with the message of Jesus Christ as possible through the vehicle of the Holy Spirit, and under the banner of a covenant community of fellowship. Build it, and they will come. It is the belief of many servants of our Lord that this youth movement here will be the spark that will ignite the whole community for Christ. I’m writing this blog not as a means to sell people on the idea, but as a rallying cry for those who already have a stirring in their spirit to DO SOMETHING here. We are on the precipice of a great opportunity to be a part of a movement of God, and it’s my prayer that this blog finds the eyes that need to read it. I would like to close with this prayer:
Blessings,
-Vini
“The Prayer of the Locusts”
Oh God, most powerful and full of mercy
Grant that we may be an army of stewards to your Kingdom here and now.
Lead us sovereign Lord along the path of obedience and righteousness that we may
clearly know your will for this community that cries out for hope and restoration.
And as one beating heart respond to your voice, so that we may
march in rank to fulfill your will and bear witness to this movement of your Holy Spirit.
Amen
