As the scripture says, “Everyone who calls out to the Lord for help will be saved.” But how can they call to him for help if they have not believed? And how can they believe if they have not heard the message? And how can they hear if the message is not proclaimed? And how can the message be proclaimed if the messengers are not sent out? [Romans 10:13-15 (GNT)]
We were strolling through downtown during a street festival when we came upon the “bird lady.” With three parrots on her shoulders, she was surrounded by a number of people. I assumed she was a street entertainer who expected to be paid for pictures with the birds. As I ventured closer, however, she offered to let me hold one of her parrots. Never having touched a bird, I accepted her offer, anticipating a request for money. While the colorful bird wandered up and down my arm, the woman offered me a little food to give the beautiful animal. As my husband grabbed the camera from my purse, I kept looking for the tip jar or expecting to be asked for a “donation.” Instead, when I returned the bird, she handed me a small leaflet, saying “Here’s something about Jesus.” When I responded “God bless you” she said, “If you know Him, pass it on!” The crowd closed in and we continued walking on our way. Another person would soon experience three friendly parrots, an interesting woman, some Christian love and God’s good news. It was a mini-example of God’s grace. While I kept thinking I had to pay for the encounter, it came at no cost to me; it was given out of love—love of Jesus! Unexpected, undeserved and free—that’s grace in a nutshell!
I remember back to my college days when I was active in Campus Crusade for Christ. Over the summer, several students planned on going to California to witness and pass out Crusade tracts on the beach. I quickly demurred; I wasn’t about to approach complete strangers, hand out Christian literature and talk about Jesus. Instead of approaching strangers, however, this woman’s birds caused strangers to approach her. She was able to share God’s word in a subtle and non-confrontational way. Unlike the Apostle Paul or Billy Graham, most of us are not called to be evangelists nor are we likely to storm the beaches or stroll around town wearing parrots. Nevertheless, we are all called to share Christ, His glorious work and what He’s done for us. We are expected to spread God’s word and expand His Kingdom by making good use of every opportunity we have. Perhaps sharing a tract like the one I was given—Christian but non-denominational, simple and Bible-based—is one way to do it.
Father, I feel so inadequate when it comes to proclaiming your message. Let your Holy Spirit guide my actions and fill me with the right words and behavior so that I am bold, clear, humble and considerate as I share your Good News.
Devotions of the Heart 