The "Sorting"

We had our Sunday gathering and it was such a blessing to see everyone’s smiling faces. One face was particularly glad we’re back. That would be the one on the right.

It was neat to see Noah and Amy sing and dance with the other Kenyan youths. They have already entered the work and are working on some things to bring back to the Village.

There were some new faces, especially among the brothers, a few new young people and a few new families. There were a few people that had left the church since our last visit and though it was disappointing we weren’t surprised. There will always be the Demas factor we have to deal with. (See 2 Timothy 4:10)

I am so grateful that the recorded history of the Church in the first century was not glossed over but was painfully honest. They had major disappointments and people left them too. It will never be pleasant when people leave, but according to Christ’s words it’s inevitable….

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13: 47-50)

So, it is today and so will it be at the final end of this age. I wonder if it will be as sad then as it is now? 

The sorting issue today is not necessarily about heaven or hell, but who will enter the place that the will of the King is done, i.e. the Kingdom.  We continue to pray for them before that “final sorting”. To see people walk away from Life is terrible. To be found useful to the Master is everything; it is part of our preservation.

Here in Nakuru we watch Christ throw out the net, and as we haul it to the land, we get excited about the number of fish caught. Yet sadly, catching the fish is just the beginning of the work. Christ must now sort them out. Only He knows who’s a good fish and who is a bad fish.

We’re always being reminded it’s not the number of fish caught, but the preservation of the good fish that matters.

As soon as the net hits dry ground, the Life of Christ starts to sort them out. Although I think most of the “sorting” choices Christ makes are based on decisions the fish begin to make. They make the choice to stay and become useful or to be thrown away; by how they respond to the issue of the Kingdom’s prominence. That’s what reveals their true goodness or badness. 

Many people fantasize about wanting to enter the Kingdom (doing His will) but when the opportunity comes they judge themselves unfit to enter that Kingdom by not putting it above all and everyone else. As soon as they get near its empowering gates, the reality of its demanding prominence becomes evident and choices have to be made.  (See Luke 9:57-62)

Sometimes it’s only on our return trip to Nakuru that we get to see the fruit of that sorting. The growth of the “good fish” is amazing; the stories of the ones who chose to be thrown back are depressing. Sort of like a dog returning to its vomit or a pig to wallow in its mire. It’s because the good ones have been put in a “vessel”. I think that vessel is the Church. Within its walls are salvation and no one who remains in it ever “spoils”. Just as He promised …the work He starts, He finishes. (Jude 1:24 written to those placed in a vessel.)

Speaking of fresh fish; there are two men we visited today that I hope make the “sorting”. They told us today they wish to become part of this family Christ is putting together here in Nakuru. Both desire baptism and want to serve Christ here in Lakeview Village Church. Lawrence is a Massai and Kennedy is a Luo but both want to become “Kingdomites.” Pray for them that Christ would place them in the good vessel of Lakeview Village Community

Well, we all had our goat meat lunch outing (Noah loved it), Amy refused the chopped intestines and Joy said we were fast approaching the boundaries of her comfort zone. 

Once again we are grateful for the team Christ picked to come here. Please continue to pray …we really need some land and other things that only our Heavenly Banker can provide.

More later….RCV Grandfather