September 8, 2013

Exodus 10:2 — And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son’s son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the Lord.

Never be afraid to respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to share Biblical wisdom with another believer! If you are like me you’re a bit shy, for a lot of reasons, about doing it. But I’ve just had a powerful lesson about it.
There are two sorts of generational chain in Christian life. There’s is the natural family chain from Grandparent, to parent, to child – but there’s also a chain from one believer, to another, to another. And passing wisdom, truth, and history from believer to believer is as important as passing it from one “family” generation to another. It’s what Paul was talking about when he wrote to his “spiritual son” Timothy “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
I was talking to a good friend the other day. He reminded me of something I had long forgotten. The reminder stunned and blessed me. A few years back he had been considering whether to join a Christian ministry, but was not sensing clear direction from The Lord. I shared something from my past …
A few years back, Myra and I were invited to go into full time ministry. We too were not sure what The Lord wanted from us. It was at that time that we were given excellent advice by a Godly man. “Look,” he said, ” sometimes God opens a road, and wants us to start down it. When we do, from time to time you’ll come to possible stops. If the light is green — carry on. If the light is red, it’s a clear indication that you’ve come to the end of the road”.
Sadly, Myra and I did eventually hit a “red light”. It became clear that, though it was bitterly hard for us to accept, we had reached the end of our road.
I shared the story with my friend, hung up my phone and, to be honest, thought little more of it until we talked the other day.
He had taken my advice. When he came to a definite “stop” on his road he was wise enough to stop, and wait. Some time later another opportunity for ministry presented itself, and his work has become a blessing for hundreds and maybe even thousands.
As I sit here today it’s not the detail that is occupying my mind. It’s the process, the passing of the Biblically inspired truth along the chain of believers. It can have such a kingdom impact.
So this is the lesson I’ve learned — if you get the chance to pass on wisdom, and the Spirit nudges you, take it. You have no way of knowing how many lives will be touched …