I was truly blown away and saddened last night to hear of the passing of someone that I consider to be a "General" in the army of God. David Wilkerson was in a car accident and was killed. One of the saddest things I think is that much of the current generation of the Christian church may not be that familiar with the life and ministry of a great man of God. That is regrettable.
I remember early on in my life, sometime in the late seventies, our church showed a movie called "The Cross and The Switchblade." I remember that being a big deal because, being raised in a pretty strict Pentecostal church, movies weren't really something that was, shall we say, encouraged. Here I was though watching this movie about this crazy preacher with a heart to minister to young gang members. As I think about it now, I understand the calling of God, and how that can lead you into some unusual situations, but at the time I just thought He was crazy. I kept expecting one of the gang members to kill him off and that would be the end of the movie. That never happened. In fact, as this preacher continued to tell of the love of God to these young men and woman, he began to have some amazing fruit. In fact, Several worldwide ministries were born out of the obedience of this "Crazy Preacher."
Over the years, David Wilkerson has done some pretty incredible things to advance God's Kingdom in some pretty dark places. He has also had his fair share of controversy, but what man following God's call does not? I think the world has lost a mighty man of God.
My thoughts though, have turned to the thought of who's next. Over the last few years there have been several, for lack of a better term, "Big Time" Preachers that have passed on. None of them were perfect men, but they have had huge impacts on the lives of thousands. Now another man of God has gone on to his reward, and another "General" Billy Graham may also be finishing his race soon. So, Who's next?
I notice as I read scripture that many times when a man of God has finished His race, another person will step in and take that "Mantle" of leadership. Moses had Joshua, Elijah had Elisha, even Paul had his Timothy. There are others, but you get my point. Who will be the ones to step up and say, "I will take this baton, and run with it?" Who will be the one to say I will be the voice of God to a generation. Where are the mighty men and woman of God that will lay down their lives and reputations, and aspirations to preach the gospel to a world that is living in it's final days?
How often do we look at the things going on in the world and say to ourselves, "Somebody should do something or say something about this." We wait for the next David Wilkerson, or Billy Graham to ride in on a white horse and "save the day." It seems that the somebody never shows up, and the something never gets said. When will we realize that we are the ones who have the opportunity to pick up the baton and run?
I love the story of the Disciple that comes to Jesus, and as they survey the huge crowd of people that has gathered, discuss how they are going to be fed. The disciple says, "Hey we should point these people to Denny's or Chili's or something so they can go eat. They are going to die. Jesus response was not what the disciple expected. Jesus said, "You give them something to eat!" What??? Me?? How am I supposed to feed them? It would take a years wages! Was Jesus Ignorant? Did He not understand they didn't have any food or money? No, Actually Jesus understood that it doesn't take great resources to do great things, it just takes faith and a little action to back it up. Jesus has the disciples sit the people down and proceeds to do an amazing miracle. Why do we think God can't use us to do mighty miracles as well?
Who is going to be the next great man or woman of God? It could be you, if you will just believe, be patient and stand strong. Who knows what God could do in your life. Pick up your baton, whatever that baton may be, and run your race. Don't wait for tomorrow! Start right now, and watch God do great things.
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