BYM ONLINE DESK December 2016 | Page 13

December 2016 was sent in spite of the differences - “The light that shines farthest shines brightest.” 10:22b, 23). He was always concerned about the new villages. Sent In Spite of Difficulties Bible maps are printed on the last section of most of the Bibles. One of the interesting things is to study the distances between various places of Bible times. It is surprising to find how Jesus and the early apostles travelled long distances to meet the people and preach the Good News. Jesus Christ never calculated the distance. Luke 23:39 “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” Christ Jesus came to give us Eternal Life, but it wasn't easy. The Lord Jesus had 12 disciples who hardly gave ears to his words. It was difficult for Him. He came as an answer to the difficulties of the people of the world but he faced difficulties at all times. He did not have place to lay His head. The Pharisees and the Sadducees questioned Him often. Mel Gibson, the director of the ? lm, 'The Passion of Christ,' tried with all articulacy to dramatize the last 10 hours of the life of Jesus Christ. But he testified that he could accomplish only 10 percent. Indeed, we could never understand the difficulty the Lord faced during His earthly life. I had the privilege to visit the 'White Cottage Centre' in Nasik city during a preaching assignment. 'White Cottage' is named in memory of David Livingstone's last missionary voyage to Africa. He could not travel because of difficulties he faced and had to en route through India. But nothing could stop him and eventually he died in Africa. Are you worried about difficulties in your life and ministry? Is struggles weighing you down? Are you thinking of giving-up? Look to Jesus, He came in spite of difficulties and fulfilled God's will in His life. Sent In Spite of Distances Luke 24:13,15 “Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them.” Walking to villages was almost the daily routine of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade (John Today, we have all the sophisticated modes of transport. We can reach nations within hours. We travel for vacation and fun, spending huge amounts of money. Obeying the missionary call and going to a distant country might be a tough thing. But not going to a nearby village or to meet a needy person is mere disobedience. Sadhu Sundar Singh was born in a rich Sikh family who had never been out of Punjab. But when God called him, he walked across the Himalayas. If God is calling you to a far-off place, don't delay. Go forth! Jesus was the delight of Heaven; He was in the bosom of the Father (John 1:18). He was the beloved of the Father. But Father gave Him for us. Dear Parent, are you discouraging your child to become a missionary? Jesus' mother stood by the cross watching her son die, but did not say a discouraging word. Many children are surely a delight to their parents and some could be the only ones to them. Even if you have only one son or a daughter, can you still think of sending him or her as a missionary? As we celebrate this Christmas let us not forget that Jesus became a saviour to all by coming as the First Missionary. There are still people dying all over the world. During this Christmas, let us dedicate ourselves and our children for the cause of Christ. And this would be the gift that we could offer unto the Lord. Email : (Mob : 8801477405) |PAGE 13|