Two more brothers in Christ

If pathetic fallacy was not derogatory, I would readily say that the weather tonight reflected my mood of the past few days – dark, chilly, stormy. Being Christian has not been easy.

Just now at iClub (an evangelistic programme my church runs on a weekly basis), we had to make last minute changes to the venue because the main building had heating issues. It was pretty hectic, and I was admittedly somewhat grumpy – though I thought I was quite good at hiding it.

Despite the weather, last minute changes to the programme and my weakness, a Chinese guy who has been a regular attendee – Stanley – decided to commit his life to Jesus. And just a week ago, his friend – Caso (also a Chinese student) – repented, and trusted in the gospel.

This week, we looked at the resurrection of Jesus and its significance for us. As we were discussing a few questions, Caso was asked why he decided to become a Christian, and as he answered, I noticed that his voice started to break – and I suspect it was because he was on the verge of tears. Stanley was also very comfortable answering questions; he agreed that Jesus’ death was able to save sinners and his resurrection signified that he had triumphed over it, giving us new life and calling us to live with his as Lord. When we challenged Stanley about what was stopping him from becoming a Christian, he had a few small misunderstandings. But after resolving those, and explaining the cost of following Jesus, Stanley eagerly – with childlike wonder – said he was ready to become a Christian! We prayed with him to confess his sins, ask for forgiveness, and commit to follow Jesus.

It felt surreal when these things were happening. For some reason, I failed to grasp the significance of these events. But now I am moved to tears thinking about the magnitude of what happened in a small room in a church, in a small city like Durham, involving insignificant people like us.

After all that, I witnessed a touching scene: Caso extended his arm towards Stanley, and called him – brother.  

Brother. This is probably an aspect of Christianity that I neglect, not because it is unappealing, but because it is so difficult to actually live out. Christians forget that in the gospel, natural enemies have been reconciled; Christians forget that the gospel transcends culture; and Christians hurt one another too often. But that does not diminish the fact that we are now part of God’s family through adoption (Mark 3:31-35). And so I have gained two more brothers in Christ.

I also want to consider one other thing: the Christian’s call to live in light of the gospel. So I would like to share this theologically-rich song. (I chose this song because another iClub helper was singing it as we were packing down. It also reminded me of my days serving with YFC.)

Hear the call of the kingdom

Lift your eyes to the King

Let His song rise within you

As a fragrant offering

Of how God rich in mercy

Came in Christ to redeem

All who trust in His unfailing grace

Hear the call of the kingdom

To be children of light

With the mercy of heaven

The humility of Christ

Walking justly before Him

Loving all that is right

That the life of Christ may shine through us

(Chorus)

King of Heaven, we will answer the call

We will follow, bringing hope to the world

Filled with passion, filled with power to proclaim

Salvation in Jesus’ name

Hear the call of the kingdom

To reach out to the lost

With the Father’s compassion

In the wonder of the cross

Bringing peace and forgiveness

And a hope yet to come

Let the nations put their trust in Him

I was rebuked for my slothfulness and complacency tonight; and I was reminded of the power of the gospel. Two more people have heard the ‘call of the kingdom’ and responded. So let us strive to keep responding, and to keep proclaiming this call to more people! God will work through our weak efforts to establish His glorious kingdom – such a great reason to be simultaneously humble and confident.