Do You Love Me More Than These?

H. is not a closet gay, but a brilliant mariposa or butterfly who flies under the wings of a spirit contrary to the Spirit of God. Yet, God orchestrated our meeting. On the last day of our Bible outreach in Nicaragua, I saw a man dressed as a woman, who had obviously been injured. I wanted to minister to him, but I felt that I must first relay that information to the team leader. When I returned to the spot where I had last seen the man, he was gone.

When the team returned to the base for lunch, I shared the encounter with one of the base leaders. He told me then about H., the man who basically controlled the barrio's gay population. When I asked if H. were pretty, the leader stopped, pondered a moment, and resolutely concluded with a resounding, "No!" His facial expression and tone of voice somehow struck my funny-bone, but I stopped laughing when Holy Spirit told me I was to minister to the man. Oops!

Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My lambs."
John 21:15

Well, my laughter would turn to tears, as I and a base member, went to the man's home. I could immediately so that the man was oppressed by the devil. I began praying for him in Spanish, moved to English, and concluded in my prayer language. But, first I asked him what he believed about Jesus: "Was Jesus merely a good person or the Son of God?" He responded that he believed that Jesus was the Son of God. I then replied that "What you are saying then is that you love your sin more than Jesus."' He responded with "Si" or "Yes!' I told him that my prayer would be that he would love Jesus more and that God would make him a would greater influence for good than he had been for evil. When I returned to the base, my friend continued in earnest intercession for H. and for God's transformation. He needs a spiritual metamorphosis to become all God has of Him. I pray that his confession will be like that of the Apostle Paul's:

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen" (I Timothy 1:15-17).

Sometimes, it is easy to forget where God has brought us from. I can become complacent about the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit somehow believing I have improved myself. Meeting H. reminded me that if God had not reached down to lift me from the miry clay, I would have remained forever ensnared.



The barrio or neighborhood where H. resides.

 I can still see H.'s face as God daily reminds me to pray for him. I have the same question for you and me: "Do I love Jesus more than I love my _______ (you fill in the blank). Given everything God has done to redeem us, I pray that my answer and your answer is yes.

Amante de Cristo,
M.J.