The Disciple’s Reflect on the Twelve being Sent

An amazing example of forgiveness, shared with me from South Africa:

A soldier took a young 18 year-old boy from his home and in front of his parents tortured this boy and then threw his body on a bonfire. Some time later the soldier came back again and did the same to the husband. The woman sat in the courtroom waiting for justice. After hearing this story the Judge asked the woman what she wanted from this man. She asked three things of him. She asked that:

• She could go and collect the ashes of her husband and son so that she might give them a burial.
• He could come to her home once every three weeks, so that she might be a mother to him.
• She could help him know that he could be forgiven by God, and to hug him so he might know her forgiveness.

As she hugged that man the courtroom erupted into song, 'Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost but now I'm found, I was blind but now I see.’

The healing power of God's forgiveness transforms courtrooms, the legal systems, families, communities, churches and nations. We are to preach the gospel and heal people everywhere.

A Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus,

Your hands have done mighty works. Your hands touched lepers in compassion. Your hands healed and touched the eyes of the blind. Your hands touched the ears of the deaf. Your hands blessed children. Your hands washed the grubby feet of your companions. Your hands took bread and broke it. Your hands shared with a betrayer. See from your head, your hands, your feet - sorrow and love flow mingled down. Make our hands to be like yours. May our words be your words, may our feet travel on your paths. Transform our lives today that in your loving power we may impact those around us. Amen.

Journal Exercise

Think about your neighbourhood and the place where you work. Are there three venues beyond the reach of existing church where it would be wonderful for Christian fellowships to meet? Write a prayer asking God to make this happen. Name the places and pray this prayer even if you think it is impossible.

Think about the Christians you know. Are there any men and women who might be able to start a Christian fellowship? Write a prayer asking the God of the impossible to help them do it.

If you have been able to think of three possible venues and three people to take initiative, with the help of the God of the impossible, what could you do toward making the venture work? Ask God to assist you in undertaking such a project.

A Challenging Prayer

Call upon God to multiply the number of persons lovingly dedicated to the creation of congregations and fellowships by proclaiming the gospel.