The immediately following is from a personal posting of some years ago. It is not, nor was it then, our intention to cast aspersion on any biblically orthodox denomination or to promote a reactive sectarian "non-sectarianism." We ourselves are associated with a well known denomination.
Our objective, now as then, is rather to recognize that transcendent oneness whereby, upon being born of God's Spirit, all true believers enter into a vital relationship - not only with the heavenly Father but with one another as members of the Body of Christ.
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Within this context, we have long found the Christian fish symbol both intriguing and inspiring. As most are likely aware, the "sign of the fish" became a means of inconspicuous self-identification among believers at a time when open identity with the faith placed one at considerable risk. The symbol itself involved an acrostic derived from the Greek words, "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior" - thus ichthus or ichthys (i.e., "fish").
Much of the symbol's continuing appeal lies in its focus upon Jesus Christ and one's identification with him - as such transcending our sometimes more readily focused emphasis on being Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, or whatever. Hence our personal attraction to the unobtrusive, yet tasteful witness of the fish symbol frequently seen on vehicles, in advertisements and elsewhere. As believers in Jesus Christ, we share a common identity. It is an affirming statement of faith and unity.
Quite candidly, we have found it somewhat surprising that after all these years of generally favorable recognition, some group or another has not sought to appropriate the symbolism as a primary mark of sectarian identity. God forbid that we occasion the thought!
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Within a somewhat related sphere of consideration...
Not long ago, we were given a copy of the recently republished work entitled: "THE NEW YORK CITY NOON PRAYER MEETING" by Talbot W. Chambers.* While not overly inclined to literary promotion, we are pleased to share that we found the volume both readable and interesting, particularly for a couple reasons: In and of itself as an account of one of the greatest revivals in American history (1857 and following), and secondly, for the book's summary analysis of the relational dynamic that prevailed among those involved.
It is first to be noted that the amazing growth and dynamic of the resultant outpouring had been neither planned nor sought. To all visible appearances, it "just happened" as the outgrowth of a localized noon hour prayer gathering of businessmen. Before long, however, the movement's impetus and dynamic came to be seen as representing more than mere happenstance. A gracious move of God's Spirit was underway.
Secondly: While many area churches (as well as clergy of varying denominational traditions) were involved, the agreement to adhere to the basics of the Gospel and to avoid areas of doctrinal controversy that might lead to conflict or division was faithfully observed.
And, thirdly, but not least: To anyone possessing a meaningful degree of ministerial insight or experience, the following becomes almost unreal. For despite the revival's overwhelming "success," there reportedly was no attempt on the part of any participant clergy to in any way "take over" or to assume leadership in the interests of personal ambition or advantage. (One can only wonder here as to the amazement the apostle Paul would have experienced in reflecting on the time in which Timothy was the only minister he could find to send to the church at Thessalonica by reason of the fact that of those available, only Timothy would have sought their well being as opposed to using them for personal self interest and aggrandizement (Phil. 2:21. This, we haste to add, does not typify all clergy. God has many commendable "men of the cloth." But, as any experienced minister can attest, problems of this nature are far from unknown, particularly in times of heightened interest and enthusiasm.)
In addition to the unity and motivational integrity involved in the New York City revival, one would, of course, assume the presence and outworking of other beneficient attributes - if for no other reason than the fact that God so works. Within this frame of reference, the second area of interest to which we were drawn lies in the following:
We tend at times to lose sight of the fact that, in accordance with His sovereign will and purposes, God is not adverse to moving by means, and through avenues, little anticipated or concordant with traditional perception - a fact for which Church history provides ample verification. Such was the 1857 outpouring in New York City.
May God, in His way, so favor us today!
Burl Ratzsch
*"THE NEW YORK CITY NOON PRAYER GATHERING" by Talbot W. Chambers
Published by: Campus Renewal Ministries, Inc.
Available from: www.noonprayer.com
