"Operational Context" (I Kings 19:19-21) [Northern Kingdom - Time Insights Series #10

“Call and release” for some of us is good;
For then, deep down, it’s clearly understood,
It’s there for us; coercion gone; we’re freed
To follow Christ; to meet some person’s need.

That saves us time, for choice can save us time –
“One-half or more is dropped, no longer mine” –
Which frees us up from plowing, to go preach,
Or other task that’s just beyond our reach.

But what if others give preventing “No”?
Our plow’s been burned when we said we would go;
“God makes a way – strike mantle on the drink,
To make a way where other people sink”.

Well Lord, for me, “Apostle, Stu,” You said;
Gave “TCK” for work that lay ahead
In prototyping paradigm – for need
Was clear once books I saw could barely feed.

But then You brought my questing to a close –
I’d figured out what everybody knows,
Along with insight You’d revealed to me;
I passed it on to Mike – then I was freed.

“Okay”, You said to me, “rewarding time –
What would you like to have – selection’s thine”.
Without a blink I said, “Do one of those –
It sounds so cool – I’m not Apostle, though –

“Like Timothy I’d do the work of one;
For task needs doing – here, where this is fun –
To be assisting in his questing way,
As I go off to work each working day.”

“Okay, you’re on”, I heard, so off I went;
Seemed strange to go to work as “heaven sent”;
One year along, “Credentials” came along –
“Still want it, son?” Said “Yes” then we were on.

Call and release – burned several plows before –
Like AFM; the pastorate; and more –
Like BU; White Bear; Redvers; on and on;
Which brings me to this time for it’s now gone.

For here we are, though challenge I can’t see,
A future based on past events which He
Said, “No” to even thinking ’bout – “Just leave
It all alone, and follow – Spirit leads.

For life on Kingdom-layer is the point
Of what this is about – for He anoints
Us each to work He’d have us do for Him,
If we would just respond, and work begin.

Thanks Lord for this.

navigation