Crossing Over

Map from Nairobi NW to Naivasha - 2 hour trip

Luke 16:25-26 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’

Jesus told the parable of Lazarus and the rich man dying and ending up on either side of the Great Divide. Fast forward to the 1970s when Jesus healed Ruth's neighbor of a terrible brain aneurysm that almost took his life. As my neighbor described it, during the emergency operation, he saw Jesus beckoning him from across the Great Divide. Jesus sent my neighbor back from that supernatural encounter to warn his family and friends that heaven and hell are real places. But if they put their trust in Jesus, they would live with him in heaven forever. My neighbor had been rather quiet about sharing his faith, but after his recovery, he told everyone who would listen about his near-death experience. 

This morning, Neil preached in Naivasha, about two hours northwest of Nairobi, on the shore of Lake Naivasha. Between Naivasha and Nairobi is a great chasm, the Great Rift Valley, with eight miles of one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in the world. In Naivasha, there were about 70 attending the service. Neil had a sermon on discipleship prepared, but began by asking how many had led another person to Jesus. No one responded. Neil shifted gears and taught the people how to ask two questions:

For a God-seeker:

1. Would you like to give your life to Jesus? 

For a back-slider:

2. Would you like to come back?

When no one responded to the first question, Neil felt prompted to walk among the congregation and ask the children. As he stood beside each child with that inviting question, they answered, "Yes."  Ten children in the church came forward and prayed to invite Jesus into their hearts.

Just then, a drunk man wandered into the church. As Neil looked at the man, Neil recognized rejection at work in the man's life and commanded that spirit to leave the man. Tears began spurting out of the man's eyes as Neil asked if he would like to give his life to Jesus to experience the peace that forgiveness provides. The man wanted peace from the inner torment he had suffered for years. The people in the church prayed with the man as Neil led him in a prayer of dedication of his life to Jesus. 

Neil began having the congregation practice saying those two questions out loud. They sounded hesitant and unsure, but each time they repeated the questions, they became bolder and more confident. Then, another drunk man stumbled into the church. This time, the church was ready. The people began praying for the man as Neil rebuked the spirits at work in his mind and heart that were condemning him. When Neil asked if the man would like to give his life to Jesus, he was ready and also cried as he prayed to dedicate his life. Neil had a word of encouragement for that man that he would have a ministry of evangelism leading many to Jesus. Neil said he could hear the Holy Spirit so clearly as he was preaching and later leading the people in prayers of dedication. 

Jesus' parable about the rich man and Lazarus can leave a person wondering if only the poor can enter heaven. But Jesus makes it clear in other places that it isn't the outward things that matter, but what is in the heart. At the end of the book of Revelation, the angel speaking to John gave this message from Jesus:

Revelation 22:12-17 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

Only Jesus can wash our sin-stained garments with his blood and put his robe of righteousness on us. When we put our trust in Jesus' payment for our sins, we no longer need to fear death. We can be confident that he will be there helping us cross over the chasm from death to life.

After the service, the pastor brought them to a food stand by the lake, where they had a meal of fish prepared with cooked vegetables. Then Neil and Frances were taken on a boat ride on the lake. The fairly calm wind and a short boat ride made for a pleasant time on the water. 

Neil in the jaunty hat waving.

Ruth couldn't help but think of a not-so-calm lake crossing when Jesus sent his disciples ahead of him after feeding the crowd of 5,000 men, plus women and children. 

Matthew 14:27-33 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

About halfway back to Nairobi as they were crossing the Great Rift Valley on that eight miles of dangerous road, Neil almost crossed over the chasm from death to life as their vehicle headed toward danger. But Jesus calmed Neil, guiding Neil's hand to the wheel as he carefully assisted the driver to avoid a crash. 

How is Neil's stomach today? Well, after dinner in the parking lot, Neil said he had the most violent bout of vomiting he can remember. That could be due to any number of things, but he can definitely use some prayer for peace in the face of danger and physical healing.

So, how does Ruth feel when Neil tells her these things? Well, first of all, she is thankful that it is Neil who is telling her and that he sounds okay. Later, she is thankful that there are prayer warriors reading this who will join her in prayer. 

Prayer Requests:

• Healing for Neil's stomach.
• Safety as they travel to the Mombasa area tomorrow to begin a week of preaching in the remote village churches there.
• Open hearts to receive Jesus.
• Spiritual clarity for Neil and Francis to see and hear the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you for being part of our prayer team.

Love,

Ruth