BY DR. JOHN SULLIVAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-TREASURER
FLORIDA BAPTIST CONVENTION

How important is the theology of presence during the storm?

This is the first of a series on this question.

Before I begin, be aware that I choose not to debate the issue of political slowness in showing up to address the needs of New Orleans in the early days of Katrina for two reasons:
— I am not privy to the data on which the decision and timeline for military presence was made; and
— I am afraid Southern Baptists may be as slow or slower in making up our minds to establish an evangelistic presence in the aftermath.

But I thank God for all the volunteers from everywhere. Theirs has been a display of compassion. The deeds of the evil thugs pale into insignificance in the light of the deeds of compassion. Will some of the funds allocated for rebuilding the Gulf Coast be misused? No doubt. However, billions will be used in a proper and ethical manner.

For this article these are non-issues with me. My hope is that we will not get compassion and conviction reversed. For the believer in Christ conviction produces compassion. The first eleven chapters of Romans deal with theology. Beginning in Chapter 12 Paul addresses the issue of compassion and does not let up until the end of the letter.

“Why on earth am I here?” is a question I ask myself on a rather regular basis. I may asked it after preaching in a church where visibly little or nothing happened and the long trip home demanded an answer. It may be after a long day of “killing alligators” that sin has produced and that reached my desk. Or it may come in response to Nancy’s question after arriving home, “How was your day?”

I have settled the “why question” for myself. I am here to make myself available to help as many as I can as often as I can with as much as I can as I seek to win them to my wonderful Lord.

The question we should be asking is not so much “why” but “what?” That is the tough question. What is the reason God has placed us where we are? If it is not to bring souls into the Kingdom, I have missed it. Winning people to faith in Jesus is my highest calling in the storm or in the calm. It is also the most exhilarating notion that runs through my mind. God can use me to help evangelize a lost world!

With some of this in mind let me return to my original question: How important is the theology of presence in the storm? Vital! That’s my answer and here’s why.

Proposition 1: Observation Does Not Constitute Restoration. We can look at the pictures, meet with influential people, “scarf up” resources and even have some answers. However, when we move beyond the observation stage and begin the hard work of restoration, we cannot do it without presence and price. The Good Samaritan did more than observe the needs of the fallen man, he did the hard and costly work of restoration.

I will continue this thought next week.

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