PURSUE the Ministry of Presence

READY

“My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." — James 1:19

SET

“I left my wallet.”

These were the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. before boarding a late plane in my hometown of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Ahead of speaking earlier that night at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on March 19th, 1968, Dr. King desired to take a short nap at a nearby church of a friend, Father Peter Quinn.

Though they were different races and denominations, Dr. King and Father Quinn worked together during the turbulent ’60s in Mississippi. When Dr. King spoke that night, many listened—many who felt like they didn’t have a voice. Father Quinn, beloved by so many in the community, also listened but took what he had heard for years from Dr. King a step further. He pursued relationships.

Before the raising of Lazarus from a closed tomb, Jesus said, “‘Father, I thank you that you heard me. I know that you always hear me, but because of the crowd standing here I said, so that they may believe you sent me.'” (John 11:41-42).

Jesus acknowledged openly, perhaps for the hope of divine and brotherly relationships, that God always listens. Always.

When Dr. King said, “I left my wallet,” on that cold night, Father Quinn again listened. After Dr. King’s plane departed, Father Quinn went home and found the wallet. Early the next morning, he traveled over 100 miles to give a friend his wallet. Two weeks later, Dr. King was assassinated.

James 1:19 speaks to this piece of history and gives a glimpse on how to pursue love and serve better.

· BE QUICK TO LISTEN: Incline to hear with hopes to pursue relationships.

· BE SLOW TO SPEAK: Reserve your voice with hopes of pursuing understanding.

· BE SLOW TO ANGER: Delay being offended with hopes to pursue community.

GO

• How can we practice listening intentionally?
• In what ways can we be more present?
• Does true community begin inside or outside of us?

WORKOUT

Philippians 4:9; Proverbs 20:12; Hebrews 10:24

OVERTIME

“Lord, I know You as my Father. You always hear me. Please help me to not only listen intentionally but to choose wisely the life-giving words to speak and to control any unhealthy emotions while pursuing relationships. We humbly ask in the name of Jesus, amen.”

Mitchell Williams