I was wowed by a video clip in which seven singers performed an 800-year-old hymn. They sang it a cappella in a German subway station where the underground acoustics created a haunting, beautiful sound. While the performance mesmerized me, I noticed that only a few people stopped to listen. With such a beautiful message and amazing delivery, I wondered why more people failed to attend the impromptu concert.
The lack of onlookers reminded me of the way some people respond to the gospel message. Some joyfully take it in, but don’t hold on to it; some are robbed of it by Satan; some overlook it because they become distracted by the world (Mark 4:15-19). Although others receive God’s Word and become believers, this may not happen as often as we wish it would. So we wonder: Why bother sharing if no one will listen? Why set a good example when no one connects it to Jesus?
It’s encouraging to remember that God can use us in people’s spiritual journeys. Paul compared the conversion process to the growth of a plant. To one group of believers, he said, “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Some of us sow seeds of belief, and some water the seeds. Regardless of our role, spiritual progress doesn’t happen overnight—it can take time (1 Corinthians 3:7-8).
Ultimately, it’s God who makes conversion possible, not us. Receiving Christ as our Savior is a supernatural event, and we know that “no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3). God is still at work in the world, calling people “to himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 16:5-33
More:
Look up 1 Corinthians 10:33 for an attitude God can use to bring people to Himself. Read Romans 10:9 to see how a person can be saved.
Next:
Why does God want us to get involved in helping others to see their need for salvation? How can you help a person know more about Jesus this week?
Gary Shultz on September 18, 2014 at 3:57 am
I like those thoughts. We all would want a bountiful harvest, but sometimes I think we miss the blessing of being the farmer. Not always sure of the harvest, but always with our faith and hope in the God who blesses. As the song writer said “We work the field of souls, together you and I”….. trusting the harvest to our Father….. The beauty of your song found it’s way to you, another farmer…….If you would be as kind to share the title, this farmer would enjoy listening too. Thanks
jennifer benson schuldt on September 18, 2014 at 10:43 am
Hi Gary,
When you said “we miss the blessing of being the farmer” you caught my attention. That is so true, and it encouraged me in a specific way today. It’s good to remember that we can enjoy the journey. Thank you so much!
Gene on September 18, 2014 at 7:08 am
This really touched me this morning, Jennifer. What a great comparison of the singers to the Gospel message. My application is to keep singing and wait for the Spirit to move in people.
jennifer benson schuldt on September 18, 2014 at 10:56 am
Gene,
Thanks for your comment. Let’s keep singing! 🙂
Psalm 89:1 says, “I will sing of the LORD’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of [His] faithfulness.”
Roxanne Robbins on September 18, 2014 at 9:02 pm
Sadly, we’re living in a day where fewer churches include hymns in worship. If congregations aren’t familiar with hymns, it’s understandable that the general population wouldn’t recognize them either.
Winn Collier on October 1, 2014 at 4:35 pm
Oh, that clip captured me as well, so beautiful. And I remember having the same question about why people didn’t stop…