(From my column “Looking Forward and
Glancing Back” in the SGT monthly newsletter, May, 1988.)
This article is intended more for the
leaders of Stained Glass Theatre and those who work directly in and with this
ministry than for our patrons who will also be receiving this newsletter.
However, that which I believe God would say to us here at SGT is printed openly
in this article for all to read so that our friends and supporters can join
with us in praying for a ministry that will continually strive for
righteousness within as we reach out to others in the months and years ahead.
Please pray that the thoughts below will be received in a spirit of love and
encouragement and not in condemnation.
In Joshua chapter three, we find the
people of Israel camped on the banks of the Jordan River, poised and almost
ready to cross over into the Promised Land. Almost ready, but not quite, for
there was one thing left to do. In verse five, “Joshua told the people to
purify themselves.” This was the final step before crossing the Jordan.
As we have tried to apply God’s
principles to our “Promised Land,” I feel we have reached the banks of the
Jordan; and from the centuries past, Joshua once again cries out, “purify
yourselves.” It is a cry that cuts through pretense and right to the heart. I’m
not suggesting that in the ministry of SGT there is any great or blatant sin
either individually or corporately, but the Lord would have us remove all sin,
no matter how small, from our midst. He would have each of us look deep within
and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to us any sin, that we may repent and, if
necessary, take corrective action. Remember that to repent means to turn away
from or put aside.
I have heard the call to purification
in my own heart. I hope you hear it in yours, for I believe the Lord would have
us seek Him together as members of His ministry. We are on the banks of the
Jordan, so let us together begin the purification process God desires as he
prepares to bless us greatly. For each of us, the process may be different, but
we all need the cleansing. Joshua did not call some to purification, he called
all.
As we seek purification under the
leadership of the Holy Spirit, my prayer is that a new love will flow forth
from all. Though the cleansing may be painful at times, in the end we will be
stronger. God’s ways never change—true repentance brings restoration and
blessings. So my brothers and sisters in Christ, together, let us do that which
God would have us do.
COMING NEXT: LESSONS
FROM JOSHUA—PART III
No turning back!
