05-04: Ga jij ook aan tafel?!

Dit e-mailtje kreeg ik van Richard W. O'Fil

The other day I was talking with my friend, Wally Amundson who is a Vice President of ADRA for the Inter-American Division. He told me that each Sabbath, in Mexico alone, there are probably a million people in church. He went on to tell me that the Holy Spirit is moving mightily in Columbia, Venezuela and Haiti. It was thrilling to hear that God’s people in those countries are fervent and committed and that the church is growing daily.

As he told me of the wonderful things that are happening, I remembered the story Jesus told about a banquet. Those who were first invited had other things to do. But the Lord of the banquet insisted that it be full. The command was given to go out and invite anyone who would come to be present.

I think many of us, through the years, thought that God’s people from the western world would have the best seats in the Kingdom. Sadly we are mistaken for two reasons. One is that the people from the western world are the minority in the world and secondly many from affluent societies seem to have decided to have their own banquet here in this life even at the risk of missing the banquet of eternal life.

I am sad that in some quarters the church here in North America, Western Europe and Australia is barely holding its own. I am happy that the people in other cultures are gladly receiving the truth. All of this means that (blush) we are now the mission field! Many church members in the affluent cultures seem to be seeking everything but the kingdom of God and His righteousness. I am reminded of the text….hath God not chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith.

Friend, whereever you are, please don't miss being at the banquet.

Your brother in Christ,

Richard W. O'Ffill