Doing what needs to be done

Whatever you might say about Saul’s later life, he actually got off to a good start.  One of the cities in Israel was under attack, and all the people could do when they heard the news was weep.

When Saul saw all the people weeping, he asked what was wrong, and when he found out, he burned with anger.

What was he angry about?  Probably two things.  First, that someone would attack the people that he cared about.  Second, that nobody was willing to do anything about it.

And so he took charge, rallying the people around him, and together they attacked their oppressors, and with God’s help, won a great victory.

Last Saturday, I went to a church leader’s meeting, and one thing that we talked about was how the number of Christians has not really changed in Japan in years.  It’s been stuck at 1% for seemingly forever.  And many Christians in Japan weep about it.

But to weep is not enough.  We need to do something about it.

The Israelites wept that their own people were going to be destroyed but were not going to lift a finger to help.

How often do we as Christians weep for the lost, but are not willing to lift a finger to help them.

How can we stand around doing nothing, while the world around us is dying?

Let us be like Saul and work with one another to bring change in this world.  Let’s do what must be done to reach a dying world.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I.  Send me!”  (Isaiah 6:8)