Maintaining the Faith of Converts
One of the lessons we learn from the letters of Paul is the importance of supporting, encouraging, and exhorting a new convert so that they will continue in their faith after the initial bright burning fire of conversion has settled down to a glow of coals. Paul's letter's to the churches he had established always demonstrate his concern for their perseverance, his joy with their progress, and his disappointment with any back-sliding. Paul knew that he had "run in vain" if his converts became weary from persecution, were lead astray by faulty teaching, or returned to old lifestyles out of a desire for comfort or worldly lusts. He was always very concerned that they would be able to present themselves as worthy brides of Christ on the day of His return. If that were not to occur, Paul would have considered himself a failure in fulfilling the mission Christ had given to him personally.
There are three stories in the Gospels of Christ bringing someone back from the dead. I believe each story is completely true. At the same time, each story can serve as an allegory of how we should treat a new convert. Jesus shows in each one of the events that those in the lives of the person quickened have the responsibility for caring for that person. And , although the instructions given have a physical connection, they also have spiritual symbolism that should not be ignored.
In the first incidence a twelve year old girl is quickened. Afterwards, her parents are told to give her something to eat. They are to feed the child. Of course they are to feed her in a physical way; but this instruction also indicates that a young convert needs to be spiritually feed. They need to be provided with regular healthy doses of the bread of life, the Word of God.
In the second case a young man is brought back from the dead. Jesus then instructs that the young man is to be returned to the care of his mother. This demonstrates that new converts need to be watched over and cared for the way a mother hen does her young chicks.
The last episode is perhaps the most famous. An older man who has been dead so long he stinks is called out of the tomb of death. And when he emerges from his place of burial, Jesus tells those around him to unwrap the burial clothes which bind him. This is symbolic of how those who have been spiritually dead for a life time can be entangled with the trappings of their sinful lives. There may be debts, a criminal record, an unattractive employment history, a troubled or broken home life, and a collection of unhealthy friends and acquaintances. If left on his own to deal with all these entanglements of his previous life, the new convert might not be able to persevere in his new found faith. He will need the help, encouragement, and fellowship of the church to successfully become free of his past.
The lessons Jesus teaches us in all of these accounts of individuals being quickened is clear. He does the first part of the job, giving life were there was death. Then it is our job to see to it that gift of life which Jesus bought with His blood is maintained. It must be fed, watched over, and helped along. Jesus does his job. We must do ours.
May the Grace of God, the love of Jesus Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
There are three stories in the Gospels of Christ bringing someone back from the dead. I believe each story is completely true. At the same time, each story can serve as an allegory of how we should treat a new convert. Jesus shows in each one of the events that those in the lives of the person quickened have the responsibility for caring for that person. And , although the instructions given have a physical connection, they also have spiritual symbolism that should not be ignored.
In the first incidence a twelve year old girl is quickened. Afterwards, her parents are told to give her something to eat. They are to feed the child. Of course they are to feed her in a physical way; but this instruction also indicates that a young convert needs to be spiritually feed. They need to be provided with regular healthy doses of the bread of life, the Word of God.
In the second case a young man is brought back from the dead. Jesus then instructs that the young man is to be returned to the care of his mother. This demonstrates that new converts need to be watched over and cared for the way a mother hen does her young chicks.
The last episode is perhaps the most famous. An older man who has been dead so long he stinks is called out of the tomb of death. And when he emerges from his place of burial, Jesus tells those around him to unwrap the burial clothes which bind him. This is symbolic of how those who have been spiritually dead for a life time can be entangled with the trappings of their sinful lives. There may be debts, a criminal record, an unattractive employment history, a troubled or broken home life, and a collection of unhealthy friends and acquaintances. If left on his own to deal with all these entanglements of his previous life, the new convert might not be able to persevere in his new found faith. He will need the help, encouragement, and fellowship of the church to successfully become free of his past.
The lessons Jesus teaches us in all of these accounts of individuals being quickened is clear. He does the first part of the job, giving life were there was death. Then it is our job to see to it that gift of life which Jesus bought with His blood is maintained. It must be fed, watched over, and helped along. Jesus does his job. We must do ours.
May the Grace of God, the love of Jesus Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
Comments