Johnny on the Spot
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Jesus urged us to “work while it is day, for night comes when no man can work” (John 9:4). Eternal souls are at stake. Multitudes are slipping into a Christ-less eternity because no one reached out to them with the redeeming gospel. Jesus invited us to follow him and he would make us fishers of men. (Matthew 4:19) But you cannot follow God in neutral. God created you to do something. James, the half-brother of Jesus, concluded that if you know what is right to do and you do not do it – it is sin. How many opportunities and divine moments for ministry pass us by? A secret to seizing the day is – you must take the initiative. We must be “Johnny of the spot” when God brings opportunities for doing good our way. |
The Dictionary of American Slang defines “Johnny on the spot” as “an unusually alert fellow who is capable of decisive action, seizing an opportunity.”
In I Samuel 14 we are told of King Saul’s son Jonathan. Jonathan was a unique person who did not allow his circumstances to limit his impact on his life. While Saul and his 600 warriors were hiding under a pomegranate tree drinking pomegranate grandees at the local Starbucks, Jonathan awakened his armor-bearer and sneaked out of the camp at night. Determining that God had given the Philistine’s into his hand, Jonathan and his armor-bearer slew hundreds of them and put them to flight. Because he was “Johnny on the spot” and took the initiative, he won a great victory.
Consider some ABC’s of seizing your God given moments for ministry.
A – AGGRESSIVE. We must take the initiative. Jesus didn’t command us to wait for the lost and needy to come to church, but to go to them. (Matthew 28:18)
B – BOLD. Jonathan was bold because he knew God was with him. (Joshua 1) The early church didn’t pray for more of the Holy Spirit but for boldness. (Acts 4:19)
C – CREATIVITY. It’s an understatement to say that God is creative. Jesus used many methods to minister. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you creativity.
D – DO SOMETHING. This may shock you, but stop waiting for God to give you a specific calling – JUST DO SOMETHING! When God presents a need, you can meet, do something. Seize the day. Be Johnny on the spot.
by: Cliff Sanders