It was a great thrill to go with friends to do evangelism today at the Gay Pride parade in Omaha. The crowd was not as 'wild' as it has previously been. Perhaps this is due to the unseasonably cool weather. However, that did not diminish the overt mocking of all things that reflect the will and character of God, as revealed in the Scripture. There were still plenty of folks to talk to and hand out tracts to; God was good to give us so many opportunities to proclaim Christ.
It is refreshing to be taught grace at the school house of rejection. As my friends and I continued to offer a wrath-guzzling Savior, who commands worship and obedience from all, we were rejected, mocked, and treated like tele-marketers interrupting Thanksgiving dinner. I am reminded that I am a Christian not because I am not gay, or because I am smarter than anyone, or because of anything other than the grace of God! In fact, God in a curious amplification of his wisdom, even gloriously demonstrates his power and grace by saving a rebel such as myself.
Sometimes I wonder if events like these are for the evangelists more than the rejectors. I know that God is ultimately working in all people, some hardening and some softening, however, I often think about the spiritual exercise that took place today as we were confronted with divine mercy, love, grace, justice, holiness, and eternality through the cross. And as we held out the crucified Savior we are reminded that the only way Christ is esteemed by sinful humanity is because God has first acted to change hearts. O' how this fosters dependence!
John 1:12-13 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
