After a comfortable and warm night's sleep, we awoke in the predawn cool darkness. The sun had not yet risen and starts twinkled overhead as we went to the cozy dining room for a hot breakfast. Our hostess was sweet and welcoming, and the food was a good start to the day. We were all bundled in our jackets as it is in the fifties, and it was odd to see our breath after the hot and humid KY weather. We loaded into the van again and drove to the airport as the sun began to rise, gilding the clouds in golden pink near the horizon. It was very foggy, so we didn't see a lot of Johannesburg. It was so odd to see how everyone drives on the opposite sides. The driver seats are on the right and the lanes of traffic go opposite directions. That at least makes sense for me.
We're at the airport now, waiting for our flight to Victoria Falls. An hour flight, a two hour drive, then we'll get settled in our accommodations. After three days of travel, we'll be in Zimbabwe!
In devotions this morning, I read Romans 2. Verses 14 and 15 jumped out at me. "For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them". In a world that denies ultimate truth, God's word reminds us that God wrote his law on the hearts of men. Every man is knowledgeable of his sin and one day will be judged. We speak so often of the people who have no access to the Gospel, yet I think we sometimes miss the urgency. We were put on this earth to proclaim God's glory, and after being rescued by the depravity of our sinful nature bondage, we are given God's grace and strength to do just that. Lackadaisical Christianity is one of the greatest tools of deception by our enemy. His strategy is cunning. Step 1: lull new believers into a sense of security in their personal salvation. Step 2: feed them milk (shallow preaching) with no meat (depth of understanding of God's Word) to stunt their growth. Step : down play the world's need for the proclamation of salvation. After this is accomplished, you've got the majority of mainstream middle to upper class Christianity. This is not to say that there is any flawless Christian movement on earth, but the same Word that condemns the hearts of men also has the power to save them. The law of God is written on their hearts, along with the unfulfilled purpose of their existence. Who will break the mold? Who will step out of their comfort zone? Who will forsake the wisdom of job security and materialism for the infallible, perfect wisdom of God? The world and the things of this world will wither and pass away. Hay, wood, and stubble will one day burn in the fires of judgement. Who will place their lives, their resources, their hope, in the imperishable work of God? The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few, says the Word. O Church, arise! The time has come to shake off the chains of comfort and step out in faith in the One who orchestrates every aspect of life. Let no the enemy lull us into spiritual sleep, but let us awake out of our stupor and go to the task that we have been called to! May our legacy be one of faith an d courage to turn away from the fleeting pleasures of the world and to the flawless work of God.
As I wrote that about comfort, a twinge of guilt assailed me. The best accommodations have been provided; warmth, comfort, and tasty meals. May we be ready and willing to sacrifice whatever is necessary for the glory of God. Jesus plus nothing, no matter the cost.
Boarding at 9 AM...till then
No comments:
Post a Comment