Dear friends, I continue to share my impressions of my trip to the city of Savannah. We also had the opportunity to attend a service at Monumental John Wesley United Methodist Church, where I emphasized two edifying points.
Christ told the following parable: “Or what woman, having ten silver coins and losing one, does not light a candle and sweep the house and search diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost.’ Likewise, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:8-10).
One silver coin (Greek: drachma) during the life of Christ on earth in the Roman Empire, was the equivalent of the average daily wage. The first thing I would like to point out is that Christ often took poor people as an example. We see this by how carefully this woman searches for the lost coin. Jesus never called us to prioritize the accumulation of wealth, but, on the contrary, to think about things that are above – spiritual things, rather than earthly things. And no wonder, because only a poor person realizes the value of things gained through hard work. It is not surprising that children from disadvantaged countries are happier than those who live in the economically prosperous states. Poor children are easy to impress and give joy. I experienced this personally during my 2017 mission trip to Mexico.
So, only the poor person is fully aware of what he is losing. Friends, what happens in our hearts when the souls of our church members, friends, children, parents are lost? Are we indifferent to them or do we stand zealously for their hearts in prayer for a breakthrough? A lit candle is a fervent prayer to God for a perishing soul; it is the light of your life reflecting Christ.
But let us take the example of this parable in a broader sense. What is precious to you today? If our lives look like total chaos, then in such circumstances it is difficult to notice or appreciate the precious. Everything is questioned and life itself seems meaningless or a mere coincidence. In the whirlpool of vanity, the pursuit of material goods and the pleasures of life, it is difficult to notice the precious things of the eternal value. It is suppressed under this pressure and does not bear fruit. That is why the life of a Christian looks faded and lacking the power of the Holy Spirit.
Dear friend, what should you do? The first thing is to sweep the house. How if there is darkness in there? Light the candle of first love, the fire of the fervent prayer and, in the light of God’s Word, see what needs to be gotten right with the Lord. Secondly, search carefully. The Lord promises us: “Then you shall call upon Me, and you shall come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You shall seek Me and find Me, when you shall search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will turn away your captivity …” (Jeremiah 29:12-14).
How do I search? Through Scripture, because the Lord chose to reveal Himself to us primarily through His Word. Therefore Christ said: “You search the Scriptures, because you think in them you have eternal life. These are they who bear witness of Me.” (John 5:39). The word “search” does not mean just scanning quickly or reading isolated passages out of context, but carefully studying, delving into every word, pondering in your heart. Thus, we do not just gain knowledge and develop a personal philosophical view of life, but we get to know the One who is the Author and my Creator – His character and His entire being.
Having found this precious thing, we will no longer be able to remain silent. It will not be just a matter of my personal convictions and beliefs. The joy that the soul has experienced and found the One it so languidly longed for is so overwhelming that you want to talk about Him not only with your family and relatives, but also far beyond your close circle of friends.
Friend, leave what is temporary, passing, and unworthy and gain what is eternal and imperishable.
God bless you!
Max Volkov in Christ