Just who are these Gentiles?

Hi guys, Fred here.

On Sunday morning we welcomed back a lost sheep to the fold. Deepa from India was baptised in 2000. Subsequently she struggled terribly and eventually she returned to her Hindu gods. During a visit to the US this year the Lord restored her faith in Jesus Christ, with clarity and power. During the last fortnight the Dutch born Pastor, assisted by a Lithuanian born assistant prayed through these things in preparation for receiving Deepa back on Sunday morning. Bruce (USA) spoke the forgiveness and welcome of the Congregation.

Immediately after this Dan (USA) reported on a visit he and Alvin (India) make to Kassem (Lebanon) in prison at Muswellbrook.

These events had me musing on the rest of the service. The gentiles figured prominently. Gavin (Scotland) read the lessons because Nina (Poland / Estonia) is in France. Diané (Germany) led the childrens’ segment and then she and Rose (Germany) taught the kids in Sunday School. Hildegard (Queensland) played the organ because Elena (Malaysia) was unable to do so. Her husband Jimmy (China) was on fire duty at Hornsby. Tony (Sydney) and Matt (Forbes) led the singing because Miro (Czech Republic) was off attending a Roman Catholic Service. Bruce helped with Communion, assisted by Mia (Sydney) because Peter (China) was away overseas on business, and his daughter Amanda (China) was unavailable.

Darryl (via Eternity) was running the PA system. Bill (Temora) coordinated the ushering while Andrew (Germany) set up for Holy Communion. Afterwards Emily (Poland/Germany) confirmed the Church Council meeting date, and Milton (Barossa) attended to the offerings. Beulah (Temora) provided morning tea. The car park was monitored by Dale (Walla Walla).

There was also a family visiting at this service – Sharon (Denmark) and Chris (Greece) who normally attend a Greek Orthodox Service. The other worshippers included a Latvian woman, Korean students, a young Japanese woman, some Chinese students and workers, American members and visitors, a Brazilian lass, a PNG born lady, and many others from the various Australian regional tribes.

Jesus did say: “Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 11: 28)

But something about Deepa…
Deepa’s family has now absorbed the fact that she has thrown in her lot with Jesus Christ. This has meant a drawing back from her spiritually – something is now withheld. In describing this new reality she said that she now feels like an orphan! Deep inside I know exactly what she means. Physically she belongs to her birth family. Spiritually she’s been cut off and is some way disowned.

We might well keep that in mind. We love to celebrate conversions! We love it when X becomes a Christian. I wonder do we ever think about what it means for those who shared X’s previous loyalties and how they now respond to X.

As for Deepa, we’ve committed ourselves, publicly, to be her family. We are aware of Jesus’ promise:

(Luke 18: 26-30)

Those who heard this said, "Then who in the world can be saved?" He replied, "What is impossible from a human perspective is possible with God." Peter said, "We have left our homes and followed you." "Yes," Jesus replied, "and I assure you, everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, as well as receiving eternal life in the world to come."

Have a good week

- Pastor Fred

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