Friday, 20 April 2007

  • If not now, then when?

    As a Christian and a human, we have our questions and our wonderings. Amidst our daily lives, while we search for answers, seek after the Truth, it is inevitable that we often feel inadequate for the task divinely appointed for us. Even when we trust the Lord's sovereignty in having chosen us and serve within our locality, it is still easy to be constrained by our immediate environment and situation. Because our personal surroundings are all we experience, we are often only concerned with that, forgetting the rest of the Lord's Body and all the work that still awaits.

    In this, Paul sets an encouraging example, as illustrated in today's E-Manna, titled: "A Broadened Heart for the Lord's Interest."

    Acts 19:21 says, "And when these things were fulfilled, Paul purposed in his spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome."

    Part of the message reads, "While Paul was laboring and facing attack at Ephesus, he had the heart to care for the situation in Jerusalem and also to see Rome. What largeness of heart Paul had!... His primary concern was for the whole Body of Christ, not only for his part of the New Testament ministry."

    Are we so caught up in our own portions and work that we can't see the forest for the trees? Or are we like Paul, caring for the entire Body even while we face our immediate situation? Do we remember that the Lord's Body is universal? What do we pray for when we are alone with the Lord?

    Whatever our personal feelings and problems, the Lord's work waits to be finished. To quote one of Uncle Ricky's most stirring phrases, "If not now, then when? If not us, then who?" It is wonderful if we can share and contribute the talents we have received. It is even more wonderful if we can look beyond what seems to be the extent of our portions and see what else is on the Lord's heart.

    Do we think of Jerusalem and Rome? How large are our hearts?

Comments (3)

  • foodie5988
    hey joy! congrats on getting into Fudan University!! i know you are going to do amazing there. definitely keep in touch throughout your five years there and come back to visit often. so sad that i missed you today at the table, my mom told me you were there. i won't be going to any of the ssot because of work, but if you have time we should get together....maybe see the new harry potter movie? haha. i am so excited for the last book to come out. i have already pre-ordered it but it won't come until about 3/4 days after the release day, which sucks because i know somebody is going to spoil the ending for me. :[
  • foodie5988
    yes we definitely need to catch up. i want to hear all about your amazing trek through Europe and China! I work everyday until 5PM but am free anytime after that. also, i work in the harvard medical school area, so i'm close to the fenway theatre. we should meet up there sometime this week! call me 617.852.5729!
  • Alicethelettuce

    Amen, Joy! E-manna? is that a website that I can browse around?

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