I write this sitting in the heart of the Indonesian island of Java, the third most densely populated piece of real estate in the world. As I sit facing 4 preaches in as many days ahead of me, I just have to "pen" down my thoughts that keep taking me back to Oxygen Life Church in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa! God is on the move among us, and I am overflowing with thanksgiving for what He is doing. So here's what I'm thinking - I have been so encouraged of late by two things in particular. On the surface they don't seem to be that deep and one may hear what has impacted me and think "Is that it?" But "beneath a man..." (a phrase borrowed from the movie Nacho Libre); "beneath the surface..." there is a heart, a motive, that is what has touched me and has empowered me. Both 'things' can be classified as 'moments.'
The first 'moment' was the response of the Oxygen Lifers to the news that we as leaders had decided to sow some money out from our building fund to another poorer church's building fund. I mentioned our intention during a preach, I had no sooner announced what we were going to do and the church erupted with applause and shouts of affirmation. I just was not prepared for that. I was touched to the core. None of it was asked for or stirred up, it was spontaneous and from the heart nearly 3 months later! That response tells me that something has shifted in our thinking as a people. In fact - so impactful was the 'moment' that I was chatting to a man who is new to Oxygen (he has not yet even been added to us), he said he could not believe peoples' responses, he was amazed by peoples' reactions to the news and got so excited in the moment that he felt like saying "why not give more!" Ha ha! That's neat. Now, I'm not going to unpack everything that lies in the "nucleus" but let me tell you... There is a lot!
The other "moment" was last week when we welcomed Crossfire Vineyard Church into fellowship with us. I had not yet got to the "time" when I wanted to say let's honour them with a hand clap - in fact I had not yet given a full and proper intro to them and a preparation of hearts for an "honouring moment." The church exploded in applause, as if they could no longer contain their excitement. I was a bit taken back by it all, and didn't really join in with everyone because it wasn't "that time" (my German blood was at work in me) on my programme. After a lengthy period of time I realised, this is "the moment," the churchs' faith and enthusiasm has made the moment and I better join in! So I did. What a moment it was! I saw tears welling up in our new Crossfire friends' eyes. Many went on to tell me after the meeting how much that welcome meant to them. That it touched them to the core. That they could see the genuineness of the people and that the "moment" had helped them to relax, to trust, to surrender, to be added to their new family. Wow! Not the preaching (well that too) but a welcome from the heart and an honouring by applause and shouting!
These two moments indicate a shift in our faith as a people, and our maturity. We are seeing something of Jesus that is translating in living for others and not for ourselves, just by these two "moments" the heart of God is unveiled in us and through us to the 'new' people in our midst. Is this not showing Jesus to people? Imagine a people living in increasing revelation of what it means to "outdo one another in showing honour." (Rom. 12:10) How amazing would that be? Sounds to me like a bit of heaven on earth, like Jesus does with me day to day. He honours me by just allowing me into His Presence by His blood! He honours me by listening and answering my prayers. He honours me by interceding on my behalf! And so I could go on and on. Friends, let us pursue the character and nature of God in His Son Jesus so that we can perfect the art of showing God off to the world by how we outdo each other with honour. Holy Spirit... teach us! YES LORD!
