Call Me Crazy

‘Do you hear what I hear?’ Is your heart strangely warmed within you--like the men who walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus right after he was raised from the dead? Or like Francis of Assisi have you heard the ‘call’ to walk away from the riches and stature offered in ‘Babylon’ (the world) and to care for the destitute and most marginalized around you?

Hearing the call of Jesus is not about having ‘it’ all figured out. Neither is it about arguing doctrinal positions or whether your grace experience can be characterized as ‘hyper’ or ‘balanced’. And it’s not shoving a Bible down someone’s so called “lost and headed to hell throat”; whether it be an Authorized KJV (only by the way), The Message, The Mirror, or the NIV translation.

The holy call and mandate that all followers of Jesus share in common is to take the Kingdom/Grace Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world! This clarion call demands that we who carry this awesome message be a reflection of the passionate love of Jesus!

1 “Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. 2 Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that!” (Ephesians 5:1-2, Msg)

"Jesus called twelve of his followers (and now us as well) and sent them into the ripe fields. He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and too tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives...Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the Kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons...You don't need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment..." (Matthew 10:2-4, 6-7, The Message, emphasis mine)

This call hasn't changed. The fields are riper than ever. The Kingdom is still here. People are just as bruised, hurt and confused. Our power source is still Jesus. Our authentic testimony of saving grace still brings healing, raises the dead, comforts the afflicted, kicks the enemies butt and brings light to the darkness. The untouchables still need the tender touch of Jesus through us. We are still 'the equipment.' This is not a job for sophisticates and know-it-all's. No, it is our job and calling. The simple; the humble, those whose lives have been completely re-ordered and healed by Jesus himself—these are those who readily respond and are daily listening for the next ‘call’.

This is simple enough, huh? The call and provision of Jesus elevates our daily purpose. Can you imagine a higher purpose? Can you find a more meaningful investment of your life? The return is phenomenal and eternal! We don't need to wait on slick marketing, fund-raising campaigns or complicated, high 'browed' elitist strategies. Christ in us, through His indwelling Holy Spirit is more than enough! The motivation of Father's heart will beat and course through every cell in our bodies us as we simply share His message of grace. His loving, fiery passion will capture our hearts as we reach the world around us.

In the grip of Papa’s loving and graceful call, Ron Ross