I am reminded of a joke recounted by our former president Mr. Abdulrahman Wahid, he said confidentially to the team of two Singaporean pastors during their visit to his residence in Jakarta, "You know... sometimes I think your God is closer to you rather than ours to us... When Christians need to pray, they go to their closet whereas when Muslims pray, we have to blast it with a microphone..."
That might be a joke, but there is a lot of truth behind it... have you ever notice that when two people are in love with one another, they talk in a soft soothing voice, sometimes even down to soft whispers.. This happens as their hearts are close to one another. The opposite is true of two people whose hearts are far away from one another; when people do not see eye to eye on a matter and get into disagreements, their voice will grow louder and louder. Somehow, there is a need to shout even when the physical distance is pretty near when hearts are in hot condition!
Back to the loud chanting... I had a choice to make... I could let the incident spoiled my mood for the rest of the day... or I could choose to rejoice for the fact that I was chosen by the Almighty saved from my wretched condition, made a new creation to be a light to the nations.
This week, in our lessons, we focus on the fact that God's Mission does not start from the Great Commission in Matthew 28 and it's definitely not just an occasional doctrine! However, God's mission is a theme that runs through the whole Bible Story. I was amazed as the thread of God's blue-print for the world was revealed through Scriptures: Creation-Fall-Abraham-Israel-Exodus-Exile-Promised Messiah-Pentecost-Second Return and Reign-New Heaven and Earth (New Creation). WOW!
How awesome our God truly is! His deeds are unfathomable and profound...
We were created to be an object to whom He would lavish His love upon... created perfect in every way but with a free choice. Humanity failed God by choosing to rebel against Him and caused the downfall and degradation of mankind into the slum of sin and slavery.. Through Abraham, the people descendants of Israel was born and God's plan for redemption was started. However, again the unfaithfulness of the chosen nation just prove to us humans that even the chosen of God has fallen and just as much as every other nation need God to save them from their wretched condition. Praise be to God of heaven for He sent His Son incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. What humanity failed to do, He as a faithful Israel represented the whole of Israel and humanity to be faithful to God and continue with the big task of redemption. God in His mercy did not choose to abandon the entire human race altogether however in His great love and grace, choose to redeem it! Halleluyah... And because of His obedience even to the point of death on the cross, humanity was given a new lease in life.. we were made righteous because of Him and the whole of humanity has a hope of being restored back to our original purpose in God in the new heaven and earth.
Folks... we are part of history.... that's right... not any other history, it's HIS Story! It's exciting to know that our God is missionary God and we're part of this big plan where He will restore us to our rightful position in Him one day. When we're going to live with Him forever and ever.
By now, the chants had died down and replaced by the crisp and chirping sound of the morning birds. I was reminded to count my blessing and look forward with anticipation to all the things that God will be doing in our life. Our God is truly great and worthy to be praised. All honor, praise and adoration be unto Him forever and ever...!! Amen.
-Nelson (Indonesia)-
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