For God so loved the world …
It was an otherwise ordinary Monday. Our community group was coming over for our weekly gathering. Snacks were on the table, coffee brewing, and folks were trickling in to catch up with friends after another busy week. Hugs all around the room, it was great to be together again.
Often we rotate facilitation of our discussions. This week, our friends who have a passion for international ministry were teaching. Heavily involved in teaching the Perspectives Course, they shared specific data that gave a bird’s-eye view of the state of religion in the world.
I’m not one who has felt called to become a missionary across the globe. I do however, feel called to participate in the great commission to reach my world. After listening to my friends that night, it became much less intimidating to view the world from a global perspective. It was quite astonishing.
What I didn’t know was frightening! The numbers and statistics were mind-boggling, yet easy to grasp. The most amazing fact is that we have a mission field right here on our LSU Campus! With more than 1,600 students from more than 110 countries, we have an incredible opportunity to reach “the world” by reaching out to these students. They are far from home, missing their families, and longing to make lasting friendships. Many are very lonely and feel isolated.
John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Whosoever could be in a tribe somewhere we’ve never even heard of. Whosoever could be your neighbor. Whosoever could be a grad student at LSU coming here to get an education to take back home. Whosoever could be the cashier, mail carrier or teacher.
In 2017, let’s be laser focused on the ‘whosoevers’ we come in contact with every day. Then, reach out to someone new – find someone and be their answered prayer. Step out of your comfort zone. Pray for and expect divine appointments. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples!” He didn’t say wait until they knock on your door.
Jesus died for all of us. God so loved the world that He did the unthinkable, taking on the punishment we so deserved. If that is good news to you, then share it. Others need that same knowledge of a Savior – a King to save the day and save a soul.
For God so loved the world that He sent Jesus. He also sends you and me to love the world in such a way that they know Jesus is very much alive. After all, they will know we are Christians by our love.
Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday Jesus! Whether you reach around the corner or across the globe, share Christ with others. There is no better gift.
