Luke 10:21-24
How is it that you said yes?

It’s easy to read Jesus’ short prayer of thanksgiving in this week’s passage carelessly, without much thought. Pastor Austin unpacked its profound theological implications for us.

Jesus’ prayer answers the question, How is it that you said yes to the gospel, especially when so many others say no? It is because of God, not you. We know the verse (Ephesians 2:8-9) about being saved by grace, not works, but we can still lapse into thinking we chose God, possibly because of our superior intelligence or goodness. (We don’t say that last part out loud, but it’s there.) We give ourselves too much credit. Austin hammered home the truth that, in our natural state, we are dead – dead, rotting slaves to sin. Before we can do our part – believing in Jesus – God must choose us and re-create us with a new heart that understands. We would do well to think about how we share our testimonies, or spiritual journeys, one-on-one and in a setting like our small groups. Do I give God all the credit? Lord, help me give credit where credit is due. Overwhelm me daily with wonder that I am a recipient of the ultimate blessing – the revelation of eternal life in Jesus. Kings and prophets desired to receive it but did not. I did, only by Your gracious will.

Austin addressed head-on the fairness question: It doesn’t seem fair to us moderns that God chooses to reveal Himself to some but to hide Himself from others, that He chooses some to be saved but not others. We prize, more highly than we ought, the ability to make choices as autonomous beings. Austin pointed out that God has given human beings a degree of autonomy, but not complete autonomy. We accept that limitation without question when it comes to our physical birth. When was the last time you heard someone object that they did not get to decide when, where, and to whom they were born, let alone which egg of their mother was fertilized by which sperm of their father? Never! If we don’t struggle with the fairness of physical birth, why do we struggle with the fairness of spiritual birth? Pray that all of us at Calvary can submit to what the Bible says about God’s prerogatives, even if it goes against the grain of modern thinking.

The fairness issue is especially difficult because it is personal. As Austin spoke, probably every one of us thought of a person we know well and care deeply about who is on the wrong side of the line. For me, it’s my youngest son, Neil, who calls himself an agnostic. As painful as his unbelief is to me, I pray that I will never put my son before God. I pray that for you, too. That said, we must keep on living out our faith before our unbelieving loved one and talking about it, as the Lord gives opportunities. As Austin reminded us, “Many belong to Christ. They just don’t know it yet.” Austin exhorted us to evangelize, even though it is God who chooses and works, because He may choose to use us as an instrument. I’m sure I don’t need to remind you to keep praying for your “Neil.” Let’s also pray for opportunities to encourage one another as we wait on the Lord.

Calvary Family

Calvary’s youth groups began meeting a couple of weeks ago. Pray for Austin and the other leaders as they plant and water the seed of the gospel in teenagers’ lives; ask for wisdom and patience and encouragement for them. Pray that the teens will have ears to hear and hearts to respond. Pray the same for the youth group of our sister church in Pszczyna, Poland, led by Tymek, Piotrek, and Zuza.

Our small groups and other Bible study groups are also starting up. They are a key ministry at Calvary. You may not be aware that, years ago, our leadership articulated goals for every participant in these groups, as follows:
To know God’s word and increase in your obedience to the truth
To learn to give of your talents and resources to benefit the body of Christ
To learn to share your faith with the world around you
Pray these goals for people new to small groups and for people who have participated for years. The leaders appreciate prayer too!

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert