Great Joy in the Midst of Grief

There was great joy last Sunday at our Christmas service. Altogether 150 adults packed into one shop lot unit heard the Word of God preached in power (of the Holy Spirit) and before the altar call was made I saw three or four people in front of me (front three rows) weeping. There could be more in the middle and back rows. Altogether 25 people came forward with about 10 men and 15 ladies, maybe the ladies could be more about 20 females making altogether 30 supplicants. There were three or even four rows in front which was quite narrow (barely 6 feet from the stage to the front row of seats) and I had to move to the back several times to pray for those who responded to the altar call. It should be how Christmas was celebrated, God's people understanding the truth and having their prayers made to God and their pastor there to lay hands on them as the Lord leads.

No Santa Claus, men's traditions and myths mixed with truth. No syncretism and no idolatry. Only God the Father in His Son are glorified and His Word, pure and simple was preached in the power of the Holy Spirit. The service would have lasted about 2 hours exactly, until the person tasked to say the closing prayer had another short sermon on prayers for 10 minutes which I already elaborated on. 

I even told the two MC last Friday's rehearsals not to thank me or mention the sermon - just let the Word of God and the Holy Spirit work powerfully in the hearts of His children. Let Jesus increase and men decrease. Let exalt God alone and give all glory to Him. 

But I must admit there was also plenty of grief. Administratively, nothing is done. So I am back to square one. If I decide to go, this time will be final. Sometimes people take you for granted. For sure, he will not resign, they might think. Things on the surface look so good. More and more people are coming to church. I was commended last Sunday night that I could mix with all ages because the leaders could see, the very young, kids, to young teenagers, young adults and older adults, men and women feel comfortable in their pastor's presence. Perhaps one or two might think I am too strict, but I have probably talked to 75% of regular church comers in the past 12 months, from toddlers to those in their 70s. These older folks, I call "father" (bapa) or "ibu" (mother).

I have been asking God to give me a verse or two leading into the New Year as He often does. this morning I read from Jeremiah 4:3 "Break up your unploughed ground and do not sow among thorns." Early this morning at 3am, I woke up thinking about church, wondering the Friday night prayer meeting (tonight) was going to go on and I texted the leader in charge at 4am "Selamat subuh" (Good dawn!) and it was not even dawn as I came down to pray and read many passages of Scripture. Is the unploughed ground, the several books I meant to write but now laid dormant in my mind with me preoccupied with the pastoral work. Am I sowing among thorns?