Come over and help us
And nations that do not know you shall run to you,
Because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 55:5
Read Acts 16:8—15
It’s all in a word, and that spoken in a dream, ‘Come over and help us.’ Just a word. It’s a cry for help. There is a crying need in Macedonia. Yet Paul is not an aid worker. All he will do is talk. He’s not one of those sweet Christians who will witness by their actions rather than their words. As though their actions could tell all. All Paul has is the word. The word of Jesus and his own availability. And some helpful experience. And devoted study of his faith.[1] And the Spirit, the leading of the Spirit. And obedience to the call of God. That’s all. And a willingness to suffer. A call of God to suffer, which came at conversion.[2] And a readiness to board a lot of ships and trudge a lot of miles and stay at a lot of places. Nothing more than that. And a church praying for him: that, too.[3] So I ask myself tonight, about to sleep, to dream, what did Paul have that is not available to me?
Loving God, you have always called men and women to the great dignity of serving you. You have spoken to them your word, Jesus Christ, and given them this same word to speak. In all the conversations of this day nothing has been said or thought that is as precious as he is. If it has been true it is because it is true to him. Much else has been mere chatter. Speak to me this night, even through dreams. Speak of Jesus and his loveliness. Call me to where you want and to whom you want. Call me to suffer. Call me to availability. Call me through your Spirit.
[1] Galatians 1:13—2:2
[2] Acts 9:16
[3] Acts 13:1-3