Paul makes a statement in 1
Corinthians 5 about being with the Corinthian church in Spirit. That used to be
a fairly common statement especially among church people.
“I can’t be there, but I am with you in Spirit.”
I suppose I am glad we no
longer hear that much because the statement was weakened by its use as an
excuse for not being at church because of work or a vacation or a ball game or
an ox rigorously pushed into the ditch.
But I do think we ought to grasp
the full meaning of this phrase. It should especially be used with missionaries
serving overseas and for anyone whose heart we genuinely connect with.
Connecting with someone by
the Holy Spirit means groaning with the Spirit that groans with someone we care
about. Paul used this phrase to address a church in the midst of crisis. Being
with someone in Spirit means sharing the burden of a Holy Spirit inspired
purpose and vision.
Being with someone in Spirit
surely includes prayer. Sometime after my cancer and treatments had reduced my
endurance I was involved in an outdoor crusade. I preached the first night. But
I was too exhausted to go the next night. So I spent the whole time of the
service praying for the preacher, the people and the neighborhood where the
crusade was held. I was with them in Spirit.
No comments:
Post a Comment