engagement

Mark 1, Romans 1

^{M 1:25} Jesus cut him short. "Be quiet! Come out of the man," he ordered. ²⁶ At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him. ²⁷ Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. "What sort of new teaching is this?" they asked excitedly. "It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!" ²⁸ The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee. ...  ³² That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. ³³ The whole town gathered at the door to watch. ³⁴ So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak. ...  ³⁸ But Jesus replied, "We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came." ³⁹ So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.

Why doesn't the Church engage hurting people and the enemy with the authority that Christ has given us (e.g., Matthew 28, Acts 28)?  Instead, we have created a false christianity of knowing ABOUT God instead of the true Christianity of KNOWING God and His Lordship (authority, power, and presence).  If we know Him, and He is in us and working through us, then wouldn't the operation of His Church emulate His own ministry?  Only, the primary advantage being that Christ's humanity limited Him to a single point in time-space, but since Christ is replicated in every Believer, He spans the geographical breadth of the world through His Church!  So, why don't we see droves of sick, crazy, and demon-posessed people healed at every Church meeting?  I mean, if word got around that people were regularly healed at a particular location, I can guarantee you that people would come out of the woodwork to give it a try.  Surely, it is not for lack of them (sick people or Church meetings).  No, instead we resort ourselves to practicing isolationism and fancy rhetoric.

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for the way we currently operate, especially in America.  Holy Spirit, may we be moved by your presence and power to carry on the minstry of Christ - engaging people at the point of their needs, physical and spiritual.  Lord Jesus, may we seek to know you and express you to those who do not know you.  Lord, by your grace and mercy on the Cross, please use your Church to continue recovering what the lost.  I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who has all authority and power.  Amen.