There is a favorite cartoon panel that shows a pair of spiders sitting near
the bottom of a playground slide. They have constructed an elaborate
web across the bottom of the slide and now are admiring their work.
One is turned to the other, offering an excited opinion.
“If we pull this off, well eat like kings,” he says.
There is a favorite cartoon panel that shows a pair of spiders sitting near
the bottom of a playground slide. They have constructed an elaborate
web across the bottom of the slide and now are admiring their work.
One is turned to the other, offering an excited opinion.
“If we pull this off, we’ll eat like kings,” he says.
Forgive Southern Baptists if they feel the cartoon panel sums
up the challenge of reaching the United States with the gospel. In many aspects,
it is as unlikely a task as spiders trapping a youngster in a playground web.
After all, probably at least half of the nation does not profess personal faith
in Jesus Christ. And no one can say modern culture is working in favor of the
gospel.
But also consider that the cartoon panel offers a hint at how
the task can be accomplished – by working together, just as the spiders
did on the playground web.
Indeed, it can be said without reservation – either the
job of reaching the nation with the gospel will be achieved together or it will
not be achieved at all.
Southern Baptist leaders long have understood this, long have
emphasized that the job of reaching America for Jesus belongs to every Christian.
Missionaries are needed – but they alone cannot do it
all.
Strategies are needed – but only if persons take them
up and use them.
Money is needed – but funds themselves cannot bring anyone
to faith.
And so, leaders have emphasized the need for every Southern
Baptist to be involved – to pray, to give, to go.
Together.
Each year, that need is highlighted during the Southern Baptist
Week of Prayer for North American Missions. This year, the emphasis is set for
March 4-11.
As always, the emphasis focuses on the work of missionaries
throughout the nation and American regions. (See related articles)
As always, the emphasis urges prayer for the missionaries and
their work – and prayer for spiritual awakening.
As always, the emphasis reminds Southern Baptists of the need
to give through the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, which provides needed funds
for needed work.
But as always, the emphasis also offers a reminder – help
is needed.
Workers are needed.
Everyone is needed.
Otherwise, the job of changing the face of the nation will
not get done.
It is as simple as that.
It is as simple as this year’s Week of Prayer theme –
“On Mission Together.”
It is as simple as the scriptural reference for this year’s
emphasis as well – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return
for their work,” the passage reads. “If one falls down, his friend
can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
“Also, if two lie together, they will keep warm. But how
can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Indeed. Just ask that pair of spiders.