Holy Intruders

A friend of mine used the phrase “holy intruder” to describe someone who nudges others along God’s path. She said that the Holy Spirit of God is the only true Holy Intruder. However, I think the Holy Spirit works through human beings who are willing to be used. 

I’ve been thinking about what it means to be a holy intruder. Holy means—dedicated or devoted to God. An intruder is--someone who thrusts himself into a place or situation without permission or welcome. So a holy intruder is someone who is willing to be intrusive because of his/her dedication to God.

Now, I can be intrusive, and I dabble in holiness. This doesn’t make me a holy intruder. I like to tell people what to do—I’m just plain bossy! But I have encountered several holy intruders over the years. They are willing to be the hand puppets of the Holy Spirit. Their submission enables God’s Spirit to fill and move them according to His whim. Even though they might look goofy and people laugh at them, they remain pliable—allowing God to put them in uncomfortable positions. They prod and nudge others on God’s behalf.

The Bible describes several instances where God sends an intrusive angel to nudge someone to move forward along God’s chosen path. The angel Gabriel comes to Mary and prepares her for motherhood. (Luke 1) Angels direct Joseph to accept Mary as his wife and to move his family away from danger. (Matt. 1 & 2) An angel appears to Peter, while he is in prison, and tells him it’s time to get up and move on from this place of bondage. (Acts. 12:7)

Humans who are devoted to God can become temporary angels—as long as they are willing to intrude into the lives of others under the direction of the Holy Spirit.