As believers, we are all representatives of Christ. With the Holy Spirit's indwelling, we are called to reflect Christ's character in and through us so that others come to a saving knowledge of Him. We have also been given the message of reconciliation, declaring how others can have a restored relationship with God through Christ. This is not a passive calling. It involves initiating contacts and building connections. Our mission is to bring the kingdom of God to those around us who do not yet know Him. As Christ-followers, it becomes our responsibility, and should be our primary joy, to share the Gospel with others.
Even as I write this, my heart is sad. I'm trying to remember the last time I was with an unbeliever in such an intentional way. When have I recently engaged meaningfully in an encounter with someone who didn't yet know Christ personally? I confess I have neglected and missed opportunities.
Certainly, I grew up in a home where this vocation was modelled. My mom was the poster child for an ambassador of Christ. I have never met anyone who could so naturally bring the name of Jesus into every conversation. She made it look so easy. It was an overflow of Christ filling her heart and life.
I will never forget the day mom moved into the nursing home. This was her decision. My dad had preceded her to this long-term care facility due to his increasing physical needs and mom wanted to be close to her husband for as long as God would gift them time together. If you have moved a loved one into a similar location you know the details of the day. Her room became grand-central-station as nurses, personal support workers, physiotherapists and a variety of other staff came to make introductions and help get her settled in her new room.
I was alone with mom when "O" walked in. He was a friendly young man who would be assisting in planning mom's physical activity. My mind holds the memory so vividly. Mom was seated in a wing-back chair beside her bed, and "O" approached her, squatting down in front of her to introduce himself. As he welcomed mom, she responded, "This would never have been how I envisioned living out the last years of my life, but I have asked God to make me fruitful in the land of my affliction."
Sitting on the window seat beside mom, I immediately thought, "Here we go". The physiotherapist sincerely looked at mom and asked, "Where did you get that expression?" Mom quickly reached for her Bible and handed it to me saying, "Sweetheart, find the verse." Puzzled, I honestly didn't know where to begin. "O" came to my rescue. He grabbed his phone and typed in the phrase mom had uttered. Quickly Genesis 41:52 appeared. He quietly read the verse and then looked over at mom asking, "Would you pray for me?" He began to share that even though his marriage was struggling, he too desired that the challenges before him yield a harvest.
Later the sweet young cleaning lady arrived and began quietly dusting around the room. Mom had placed multiple copies of different Bible translations on the window seat beside her. Picking up each one in order to clean thoroughly she remarked to mom, "I've never seen a lady with so many Bibles." Mom did not need any more to engage in conversation. Before this gal left mom's room, she had a copy of "Our Daily Bread" and promised to talk to mom daily about what she read. (As an aside, when mom went home to be with Jesus, we gave this gal mom's favouite Bible. Praying she is still reading it.)
If we call Christ Lord and Saviour of our lives, then we are His ambassadors. Sharing His love and the hope found in Him changes lives and God gets the glory. Who can you share God's message of reconciliation with today?
No comments:
Post a Comment