Wednesday, May 28, 2003
Wednesday, May 28, 2003
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will
be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Jesus challenged his disciples to "be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, and to
the ends of the earth." He was calling them to a great adventure. They were to leave their
homes and travel to the corners of the world proclaiming the gospel message. They were to look
outward.
Dr. Harry Ironside used to tell a story about a group of dissidents who left a church to begin what
they hoped would be the "perfect church." The new congregation considered themselves to be
such a spiritual blessing to God that they put a sign outside their church: "JESUS ONLY!". The
church didn't reach out to their community, however; they only ministered to themselves. One
day when Dr. Ironside went by the church, he noticed that the first three letters had fallen off their
sign to reveal a new message: "US ONLY!". The new message revealed the truth about that
church's ministry! The Christian community is called to look outward.
(Acts 1.8
NRSV)
In some religions the emphasis is on looking inward. "Navel-gazing" it is sometimes called. That
is not the primary focus of New Testament Christianity, however. We are a people called to look
outward.
Dear God, sometimes I am so overwhelmed with my own problems that I forget the needs of
others. Remind me that it is in helping others that I find healing. Amen.
