There are days we may forget our purpose. The great commission tells us to "Go and make disciples of every nation (that means all people). It was a strange message back in Jesus day. People identified strongly with their Roman, Jewish, Bedouin, Egyptian, Greek or Ethiopian heritage. People crossed ethnic lines to do business, but the world was full of those who believed their own race of people superior.
The ages really haven't changed human tenancies all that much. We just have more was to either choose to help or hurt others in our world.
CS Lewis said this:
"If they are wrong, they need your prayers all the more; and if they are your enemies, then you are under orders to pray for them." -CS Lewis (& Jesus)
Jesus originated the thought:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. " -Matthew 5:43-45
In weeks like this past week, the reminder of our free will is painful. People hurting people was never God's design. He designed us for relationships with him and each other. With sin came pride and arrogance. It breaks his heart, but free will was a gift given in love and with hope.
Some do not believe Jesus will return because it has been a couple thousand years. He said he would return "quickly". It reminds me that a thousand years is like a night on heaven's clock.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.-Psalm 90:2,4
While we wait... we need to remember our orders.
Today, I am grateful to be reminded we are under orders.
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