By Adam Miller
The rains Saturday brought a flood of ready metaphors to Southern Baptists—plenty commenting they’d “prayed for a downpour…but not literally.” Today North American Mission Board president Geoff Hammond reminded members of Calvary Baptist Church in Greenwood, Indiana, that seizing divine moments to help neighbors in need could bring that more spiritual deluge churches had anticipated.
This bright sky Sunday following Saturday’s dreary and drenched Crossover with some frustrating cancellations, Hammond set an encouraging tone and provided a challenge.
“The rain yesterday did not surprise God,” said Hammond.
Nor did the outrageous odds Jonathan faced in 1 Samuel 14 when he decided to head into battle with no more than a sword and an armor bearer, Hammond said, connecting the mission of reaching North America with the Old Testament narrative.
“Leaders know it’s about who is with you, not how many,” Hammond said. “It’s not about the who you can see. It’s about the Who you can’t see. God works through the supernatural. God is fighting for us today.”
With North America’s consistent move toward secularism and a growing number of unchurched, the odds for evangelizing the lost would be harrowing. But balking in fear, as Saul did as he tended his trepidation under the Pomegranate tree, costs the timid a chance at a miracle.
“He missed out on it,” Hammond said. “Under the pomegranate tree is a dangerous place to be.”
As Southern Baptists move into several days of celebrating God’s activity through missions, evangelism and the work of the church through the world, Hammond placed a rainy Crossover in its perspective.
“As you go home today, consider the neighbors who’s flooded yards might offer an opportunity to reach out,” he said. “You can live like a missionary right here. Seconds are ticking. We must live with urgency and seize our divine moments. You have one right now.”
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