Jungles v. Cubicles

In the midst of what I hope to be my family’s second and final move, to a new country. I was met with a sobering thought concerning our time, location and God’s active role in determining such things. I was specifically encouraged by the new church family I’ve been blessed to meet and be apart of for the past few weeks. To help matters, this church, which seems a world away, has a connection with my former church in my home country, the Cayman Islands. They’re even a few congregants from Cayman. 

The prospects of a third country, a third congregation, a third city in need of the gospel - sparked within me thoughts of where we end up, when we get there, and who we encounter. In pondering all of this my thoughts trekked and settled in Acts 17:24-28:

The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for

“‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

I presume most Christians are aware of this passage. If you are new to it, I envy the assurance, deepening trust, the comforting security, even the appropriate fear/reverence, conjured-up when this passage is met with fresh eyes. As it most poignantly, proclaims a God that is active in time, history and yes geography. 

Feet, Yards and Miles 

The divine appointment of everyone, everywhere, at every time, described in Acts 17:24-28 is undoubtedly thought-provoking, certainly pride smashing. And yet for some, terrifying. But “sovereignty is not tyrannical when it is bounded by goodness...and omniscience is not taunting when it is coupled with mercy.” And “goodness and mercy” along with a whole host of other laudables should color how we see God’s activity in time, and on geography.

Christians should be siphoning confidence from Paul’s words. For surely as God has “allotted periods and boundaries” having his people positioned in those “periods and boundaries” to carry his message (the gospel), is logically consistent (Rom. 10:14-15). Where there is someone “feeling their way toward him,” for their reach to take hold, the preached gospel will be in close proximity. 

And proximity, is what presented the challenge for which this passage was, again, a help. Let me explain: over the last few weeks I’ve heard many covet prayer for boldness, wisdom and opportunity to share their faith in the workplace. In meditation I juxtapose the travels of our missionaries from one country to the next, to that of a morning commute to work or the few steps that land you at your neighbours fence etc. And I was once again reminded of two things 1) mission work is predicated on a need for the gospel and a Christian’s proximity to meet that need and 2) the cubicles, offices and water coolers present different challenges to deserts, thick forests, or anti-Christian territories, but the souls saved in both environments weigh the same.

Our obedience to the charge to “go!” (Matt. 28:19-20) Isn’t necessarily measured in feet, yards or miles, but in faithful prayer, employed wisdom, subdued fear, active love leading to captured opportunity.  

What Is In Your Backpack 

It’s about that time I harp on that which is of "first importance"…the gospel! God's words, not mine (1 Cor. 15:1-5). As sojourners, traveling 10 or 100 miles, the gospel needs to be that which we never leave home without. And that which we never deprive ourselves of either. The first important trip that the gospel is to make, is the few inches from our head to our heart, before it can inspire the hands. For it not only saves us, it is the chisel in the hands of our Lord, used to shape and mold us. The ability to not only display, but also to articulate the gospel is paramount. As “faith comes from hearing.” (Rom. 10:14-17) My beloved, lets acquaint ourselves with the gospel. Let it effect our “head, heart and hands.” Let us scheme of ways to introduce it into our conversations with our family, co-workers, or folks we sit next to on the bus, train or plane. Because “we owe the gospel to every man, woman, and child still in Adam.” Sometimes a kind word, a selfless gesture, a thoughtful inquiry or helpful advise may be all the moment calls for. But as one of my favourite Christian Rappers would say “we’re always on duty.”

Do be in constant prayer for the brothers, sisters, families who uproot themselves to carry the gospel to, often times, hostile environments.

Grace and peace.