Where are the Smiths?

"Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make  them  swords or spears; But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock. Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads. So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that  were  with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found." I Samuel 13:19-22

On 15 March 2020, the CDC recommended limiting all people's gatherings for eight weeks due to Covid-19. The next day, President Trump issued guidelines to avoid groups of ten or more people and limit travel to prevent the coronavirus's exposure and spread. Since then, individual states have taken the lead in determining the extent of personal travel, gatherings, etc. according to the governors' directives. The level of government interference in the lives of its citizens has varied wildly. Some states are fully open for travel, business, and gatherings. In contrast, other states remain in lockdown.

These lockdowns have directly impacted churches throughout this pandemic. This weekend, there will be a clash of church and state within California. Pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church has been ordered by a state judge to comply with Los Angeles public health officials' directives, including the prohibition of indoor church services. The church has declared they will not abide by this ruling. Please pray for these believers.

Some government officials have taken a hostile stance with churches during this pandemic. Many governors have chosen to keep alcohol and retail sales open while shuttering churches during lockdowns. Many state governments have openly declared churches are nonessential. We are at a crossroads in America.

In the above Scriptural passage, Israel was at a crossroads. The Philistines had begun a military campaign against them. Many Israelites hid in caves, behind rocks, and even in pits to escape the coming army. Other citizens crossed over the border to flee. These people were at a severe disadvantage. Because there were no skilled blacksmiths, the Israelites had to depend upon the Philistines to sharpen their agricultural implements. Consequently, once the Philistines launched their military strike, there was no one to make weapons of war needed to defend themselves. The men and women of Israel were utterly unprepared for conflict.

Now is the time for churches, pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and Christians to prepare ourselves and our tools for work. Before a harvest season arrives, farmers perform routine maintenance on their farm implements in preparation for constant work. Blades need sharpening, machines need oiling and inspections, laborers need to be hired, and other preparations must be arranged before the days and weeks of continual work are to be done. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail when you only have a small window of time for success.

Like Israel, the Church needs blacksmiths to sharpen our tools for the harvest. For too long, complacency has dictated our actions or lack thereof. God is sending us forth into His harvest. Unfortunately, we are grossly unprepared for the tasks at hand. It is time to remedy this nonchalance.  

Make a list of what you need for your ministry to grow. How much training do the believers you work with need to advance God's kingdom? What forms of technology would you need to use? Are there physical items you need to improve your outreach within your community? What areas of ministry would you need to focus? How many additional workers are needed? How can you bless other churches or ministries? The list can go on and on. However, it is urgent to make preparations.  

"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five  were  foolish. They that  were  foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept." Matthew 25:1-5

Like those virgins in Christ's parable, many Christians are asleep and unprepared for what lies ahead. The wise virgins prepared in advance. Because of their foresight, they went with the bridegroom, while the others were turned away.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater  works  than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do  it.  If ye love keep my commandments." John 14:12-15

All too often, we uncouple verses fourteen and fifteen. We want to be able to ask anything and watch Jesus do it. Yet we fail to prove our love for Christ with obedience. Contrary to our desires, these verses are not mutually exclusive.  

Having a close relationship with God to receive answers to prayer, there must be a bond of love between myself and God in which I prove my love through obedience. Of course, God often proves His love for us by answering our prayers regardless of our response. However, now is the time to prove our love for Him. When we demonstrate our love for Christ through humble obedience, we can expect the miraculous.

Some "Christians" may choose to run and hide, sit and casually wait, or even flee from the work ahead. Those Christians who love Jesus with their whole hearts will eagerly accomplish the tasks ahead.

Now is the time for preparation; soon, the great harvest will begin. God is looking for followers who are loving, willing, and able to fulfill His calling. 

Christ is calling all smiths to the forge!