"The One"

“The One”

A noted pastor and author was getting into his car one Sunday morning to lead services at his church when he saw his next door neighbor running across the lawn. The pastor asked what was up and was told that a pipe had burst and his house was flooding—could he help? The preacher made a quick call to an assistant, said, “You’re on today, I have an emergency!” and proceeded to help his friend. The pastor made Jesus look good by putting his faith into action.

One Sunday while serving in New Hampshire an usher came to me after our first service and reported that one of our young mothers was on her way to the hospital with a brain aneurysm. I found our associate, asked him to take charge of the later service and Karen and I hurried to be with the family. God answered prayer and miraculously healed this lady and, like Peter’s mother-in-law, she resumed serving soon afterwards.

Acts 8 tells of the ministry of Philip (part of the first group of seven deacons—see Acts 6:1-7) in Samaria where “When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said.” (Verse 6) with the outcome of “…great joy in that city.” (Verse 8). In the midst of this great movement of God an angel told Philip to go to “…the desert road….” (Verse 26) and he obeyed. Why? There was one person who needed to hear the message of Christ: an Ethiopian official on his way home from worshiping in Jerusalem (Verse 27). At his invitation Philip “…told him the good news about Jesus.” (Verse 35). The man believed, was baptized and “…went on his way rejoicing.” (Verse 39). (Some church historians have suggested it was this man who introduced Christianity to Ethiopia.)

What do these three accounts have in common? That someone left the many to carry out (in Karen’s words) “Ministry of the Moment” to one in need and in each case God brought great outcomes to His glory. In Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7) He shows how the shepherd left the flock to search for one and there was great rejoicing when he found it. Sometimes, then, it’s more important to be with and serve the one rather than a large group.

The gospel message may be preached to huge crowds but God still touches people one at a time (which is why it’s crucial to have trained counselors to speak individually to those who respond). So I must ask myself, “Who’s the one God wants me to reach out to?” With Philip may I be quick to obey.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan