Then we start wondering how the disciples could even start to understand that message. Sure, we hear plenty in Paul's letters about Jesus as God's sacrifice for sin and the call to tell that good news to everybody, everywhere, but Jesus has not really been preaching a message of repentance for the forgiveness of sins; that was John. And as for their readiness, just last chapter, the disciples were scared and scattered. How could they possibly be ready?
What we only catch superficial glances of in the written accounts, probably because it is assumed we the readers have already studied and understand them, is all the scriptures concerning Christ Jesus. That is the missing clue. The disciples knew exactly what Jesus was charging them to do, because he had finally clarified the Scriptures to them. Now that they had seen his life and heard his words, the Scriptures concerning Jesus helped them gain a full understanding of the meaning of that life and those words.
On the road to Emmaus, "he interpreted to them all the Scriptures concerning himself." Then, to the disciples, "he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures."
We should pray for the same plan of discipleship for the Dong people. First, they need a flesh and blood witness, disciples of Christ who can incarnate Christ among them. Second, they need to have the Scriptures concerning Jesus explained to them. Then, they will be ready to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ throughout the Dong areas and beyond to adjoining people groups.
Pray:
* for Christians to live a witness among the Dong
* for deeply rooted teaching of the Scriptures concerning Jesus
* a holy calling for the Dong to share their own witness
No comments:
Post a Comment