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February 8, 2023
“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2.10d
That text is from the letter to the church of Smyrna. Smyrna is an ancient city that is now surrounded by the modern city of Izmir, Turkey. Jon Pentecost (seriously that really is his last name) is the pastor of the Smyrna International Protestant Church and is a good friend of Andy Johnson (whom we support) in Ankara, Turkey. Both Andy and Jon and their families and churches were not affected directly by the earthquakes. They are many miles to the west and north of the devastation. Andy’s church has already sent a team of people to help with the disaster response efforts.
If you can recall our study from the book of Acts a few years ago, then the names Antioch of Pisidia, Lystra, Iconium, Derbe and Tarsus are familiar to you. These are the ancient names of the cities that are all in the earthquake zone. Jon and Andy have sent a suggested list of things for us to pray for.
-PHYSICAL NEEDS: that food, drink, clothing, blankets, heaters, shelter, bathrooms, shower facilities, etc. be available for those hurting and those helping.
-EMOTIONAL NEEDS: that those who lost friends and family members (or are waiting to find out if they have) would receive the comfort they need in the personal presence and listening ear of caring people.
-COOPERATION: that there would be effective communication and coordination among those on the ground helping in relief efforts, especially that Christians and Christian churches would lead the way as salt and light.
-PROTECTION: that anyone seeking to profit wrongfully from this tragedy would be exposed and their activities ended.
-RESCUE EFFORTS: that rescue workers and other helpers would be led to the right places and people, and that the rescue workers and helpers would have all they need to do their job well.
-GOVERNMENT: that government leaders at the city, provincial, and national levels would be wise, merciful, humble, and motivated to see relief and recovery efforts done well.
-EVANGELISM: that even this horrible tragedy would be an instrument in God’s hands to comfort many through the good news of the gospel brought by loving messengers.
-ESTEEM: that local Christians and local churches, who are so often maligned and mistreated in this land, would be held in higher esteem than before as non-believing people receive unconditional help from Jesus’ people.
-GLORY: that above all else, the one true and living God would be glorified in Jesus Christ throughout this land, among citizens and non-citizens alike, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
One more thing…
One of the groups I love to listen and sing along to is City Alight. I love them because they are theologically sound and oh SO singable! We sing some of their songs such as: Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me, Christ is Mine Forevermore, and Only a Holy God. One of their songs that I cannot wait for us to learn and sing is, Jesus, Strong and Kind. Derek planned on introducing it in a few weeks, but I asked him if we could do it this Sunday because it fits so well with our text. So, in anticipation of this Sunday, will you listen to this song and learn it if need be? Here is a link. One listen and you will know why this is going to be an instant blessing for you and a favorite for us.
Grace and peace,
Bob
Sunday’s text: 2 Samuel 3.22-39