When traveling, and you stop to ask for directions from one of the locals, often what you get are vague distances and a series of forgettable twists and turns. Then, the pièce de résistance, the phrase that strikes terror into the hearts of those with a poor sense of orientation: ‘You can’t miss it!’ (The number of times I’ve missed that ‘unmissable’ destination is, well, you know, more than one). I’m so grateful for GPS (SatNav for British friends). I’ve discovered that that instrument typically chooses the shortest route for you but when driving in England, and you are instructed to take the next right onto, say, Bishop’s Lane, despite the alluring name, that means you will likely be driving on single track (think cow path from my Canadian background), with hedgerows six feet high on either side brushing the sides of your car. This is challenging should you come nose to nose with a huge farm tractor with a haybale-loaded wagon behind. At this point, GPS leaves you to your defenses. No one will see the flares you send up.
In an unlikely scenario, Jesus commissioned his much-loved band of disciples to head up the fledgling church following his return to his Father. The Pentecost arrival of the Holy Spirit infused better-than-GPS boldness into these otherwise inept and uneducated guys. The number of converts to Jesus’ teachings soared at a breathtaking rate. To further complicate things, opposition to this newly formed group was brewing in all quarters. Rome, Judaism’s leadership, their own families, as well as jealous splinter sects conspired to all but guarantee the failure of this nascent, ragtag group.
The twelve commissioned ‘officers’ of the church were staggered not only with the initial responsibility of governing the massive influx of believers but caring for everyone’s needs. Then there was the urgency to answer the serious charges brought against them. At the same time people were joining their number in droves, the threatening voices grew louder, more ominous. To describe this birthing of the church as chaotic would be an understatement.
Back to the twelve. While familiar with navigating local waters, this new adventure found them in completely uncharted territory, without a map, without discernible directions. They urgently needed to develop their hearing, and following, of the Holy Spirit. As their boldness increased, they were astonished at the precision of His directions to them.
As 21st Century disciples, we can learn much from our ‘predecessors’ because we are precisely where they were. Not intuitively knowing next steps, not having answers to all the ‘Whys?’ not confident in innate decision-making abilities, and digging deep in trusting Jesus. Looking forward to seeing all you trusting-in-Jesus travelers tomorrow, 10 AM, 4 PM FR. PD
Don graduated from Regent University in 1988 and moved to France for seven years, coming back to the US briefly to marry Sue in 1990. The work in France included working in a Christian School and helping plant a church before returning in 1995. He’s been pastor of Peninsula Vineyard since 1999. He enjoys counseling, especially married couples, traveling back to France (with Sue), reading, doing Sudoku puzzles and sleuthing out good, dark chocolate. Don serves as the senior pastor of the Vineyard Church Peninsula, in Newport News, Virginia.