The Spiritual Journey of MankindНамуна

Day Six

Servant Leadership

The Ways of Gabe

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 (ESV)

Never discount the impact of simple and immediate things given in love to those in need. We see how Gabe met the needs of his visitor first before building a relationship with him. God would use this new relationship as an opportunity to address the man’s greater need, which was to discover God’s unimaginable love for him. It was a divine orchestration where Gabe played his appointed part that God had presented to him, and he played it well. Think of how Jesus ministered with food to hungry people, and with healing for the deaf and blind? Why did He do this for they would all one day die and in ways return to the challenges of their previous life, for life is full of new challenges? However, in meeting their immediate need He showed His love and compassion for the person before He ministered to their soul. This often opens the door into a person’s hidden needs and provides an opportunity to minister like Jesus did. Think of the leper Jesus touched when He healed him. Think of the shame of the woman at the well, who was there alone because of her life choices. Think of the prostitute who was dragged before Him to be judged and to be likely stoned. What was the hidden need of all these people beyond the obvious? It was to be loved and valued as a person, and to have their self-esteem restored. No doubt it was damaged by illness, their society, or their own life choices. Common with all these people, Jesus showed His compassion to them. He met their obvious needs with kindness and compassion, and by doing this He showed that He valued them.

As a disciple of Christ, Gabe simply acted as Jesus would, and as a disciple of Jesus should. Gabe met the man’s immediate and obvious needs by warming and feeding the stranger who came to his door. He gave him much needed rest and sleep and time to recover from a difficult and dangerous day. Gabe’s authenticity made him credible, and all these things opened the door to the man’s heart. This exposed the needs God wanted to meet, and Gabe became the messenger/influencer who would move him closer to the Inner Chamber that Jesus invited him to. Though this is only a story, it parallels real life, and especially the teachings of Jesus.

With my book, and the character of Gabe, I wanted to convey that there are opportunities around the person who walks closely with Jesus that will show up, even knock on our door. Why do I say this? I feel that when we walk with Jesus in an abiding relationship with Him, we live in partnership with the work and purpose of Holy Spirit. He develops us, equips us, and enables us to play our parts. Surrendering our will and purpose to Him places our lives before Him to be used, and He will not waste a life such as this. Even in a snowstorm and isolated away from large numbers of people God’s plan cannot be prevented, as we see a man be taken to Gabe’s door.

What would happen in today’s society? Would not danger for the old man be of great concern? Maybe we would say that in today’s culture it would be foolish to open the door and let someone in, and we wouldn’t do it. But there was no less danger when the “Good Samaritan” helped a man in need. It was on an isolated road that was known to be frequented by criminals that he lifted the beaten man to his breast, doctored his wounds, and paid for his stay in an inn until the man was well enough to travel again. Gabe became a modern-day biblical character by yielding his rights to himself to the divine orchestration that God had invited him to, and by serving the man in his obvious need.

It is said that God’s word and guidance is Truth. Building a Relationship Bridge with other people is how Truth can be conveyed from one person to another Accountability is an act of mentoring and applying God’s Truth to another life, including our own. Truth – relationship – accountability are essential elements in conveying the Gospel and making disciples. Gabe demonstrated his understanding of these principles as he conducted his mission in a way that truly influences someone toward Christ. Gabe became the Influencer in the man’s vision, by simply living out that which was going on in him. He was prepared by God for his ministry before the man knocked on his door. Any ordinary man or woman can become “a Gabe” if they live in close proximity with Jesus. The unique ministry gifts that are ours, when served with the Fruit of the Spirit, will make a life changing impact on our world around us. The purpose of The Journey to the Inner Chamber, and our discipleship curriculum called The Journey is to guide our participants to this intimate, abiding relation with Jesus, for this is where we are both formed and empowered for our ministry. May we have more like Gabe raised up and may the movie of this book be used to find and equip them.

“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38 (ESV)

TO GET A COPY OF THE BOOK, JOURNEY TO THE INNER CHAMBER, CLICK HERE.