This train of thought has recently crossed my mind and I think I can speak for the team by saying theirs as well. This last Sunday marked the halfway point for our mission here in Madagascar. The initial realization was nonexistent. However the next few days leading up to this very moment weighed heavily on all of us and still is. I can't seem to fully grasp the thought of living here for over 2 months already with only 2 months left to go. Its unbelievable how fast time has gone by and soon I'll be sitting in the comforts of my home next to my favorite dog watching another Redbox movie. The thought of it just blows my mind!! Now I don't want to take up too much of your time with this fleeting thought process, but there is application and thoughts to consider pertaining to this.
The team and I went through Romans 9 today (as we have taken on a chapter in Romans each week to pick apart and discuss for bible study) and I can't help but be blown back by God's truth of the matter. Now it is a controversial chapter that could lead people into debate about free will and predetermined election, but that is not where I want to head so I won't. What blew me back more was the anguish and sorrow that Paul had for his fellow Jews in Rome who did not have Christ. Paul says,
"I am speaking the truth in Christ--I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit--that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh." (Romans 9:1-3)
He wanted to help them understand the perfect truth so much so that he uses this hyperbole to express his anguish. Obviously he isn't literally wanting to separate from God in order for others to be saved, but he is saddened that they are not saved and wants to change that in any way he can. Later in chapter 10 he again speaks on his desire to help the Romans know the real truth as he sees their zeal in their pursuit for it. His urgency was greater than I think mine has been since I've been living amongst an unknowing people group in Manakara. I feel ashamed by that fact and even more ashamed by knowing how often my urgency to spread the news to others in America has been less than exemplary. I guess in my mind I often feel that tomorrow will be another opportunity to give them the truth. (I'm not expressing this to say no ministry has happened...just to clarify) But what I am saying is....What is your urgency for telling others about Christ?!?! What is your desire to tell your family, friends, neighbors, local government, and whoever else you happen to run into on a day to day basis? How many chances will it take for you to just sit down with them and give them the down low on this guy we call Christ?
In the blink of an eye...this whole world could vanish and what looked as though was a promising second opportunity could end up being the weight of a person's life leaning towards death or life. Obviously Christ saves and will always be the reason for our salvation and sanctification, but we sure should have that urgency to give the other person a chance to know the real truth and let them digest. I have definitely felt the weight of this truth recently and it has caused a greater desire (one that was already there) to burn even more for the Malagasy people and their need for Christ. Pray for the many Malagasy people that we have met here to see something different in us that causes them to seek out the truth. And also pray that we continue boldly and urgently in presenting Christ to them as best we can knowing that God will provide the rest.
Live with passion and pursue with urgency in order that the many will see Christ for themselves and trust in his grace.
In him,
Matt
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