Stop and take a moment to read it afresh. (If you don't have a Bible with you, click the Scripture reference above, it will take you to a digital one.)
Rev. Stephenson emphasized how Jesus went throughout His whole known world --- there was no area He did not travel, no place He would not go --- to preach His message... Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near ...illustrating God's boundless geography.
The challenge placed before us by the pastor, was to be willing to go beyond our own boundaries, into areas far different than the ones in which we live, to carry the Gospel to others. No matter where.
And I think about something he said:
Did you get to choose where you grew up?
No. Your parents made that decision.
It wasn't your choice.
I am struck by the truth that no one in the whole world decides where they are born --- whether Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, or beyond the Jordan... like in Jacksonville. And I'm reminded, we all have been placed on this planet according to the wisdom and grace of our heavenly Father --- He gets to choose.
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
Acts 17:26-27 NIV84
For me, the challenge... fear... hesitancy... in stepping out into other areas, to connect with other people different than me, suddenly decreases by a great degree. Because my heavenly Father --- who is trustworthy and good --- is also the Father of everyone He's placed on earth (even if they don't accept it or believe it) and the places He's placed them are the exact places He chose for the purpose of finding Him.
God's geography is about placing people
in the most favorable conditions to find Him.
So, if He sends me... shouldn't I go... without hesitancy?
Those to whom He sends me are prepared, placed, by Him, to know Him --- the Father who loves me and loves them --- we, in a way, brothers and sisters.
And if Jesus, whom we follow, was willing to leave His home, His comfort zone, for us, shouldn't we? for others?
Father God, Creator of all, Locator of the masses, keep me focused on the purpose of Your geography and Your desire for all to find You and know You. Open my eyes to the commonality of all people --- our need for You. Prepare me to follow when You call.
Just some thoughts from Sunday.
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