A Global Witness
“And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.” – Mark 13:27 (NLT)
Ever notice how much of what is now considered standard in our society is the result of international movements which became global?
The American victory over the British in North America served as a great catalyst for the French Revolution in Europe.
The use of nonviolence as an effective weapon of peace in the Indian struggle against British Imperialism inspired the hopes and informed the strategies of Dr. King and all those who still fight against American oppression nonviolently.
And the Christ who brings joy to the world began his earthly sojourn specifically in the ancient Middle Eastern region of Palestine where Jews anticipated the promised messiah.
Great movements of the human spirit have always been bigger than any tribe or nation or region or religion. The grace of God is too amazing to leave anyone outside of its loop, and the love of God reaches every echelon of every being. The people brought together in Mark’s vision of God’s redemption are those who refuse to lift any religious or sociopolitical doctrine higher than the belief in basic human sanctity.
This is the promise of our common destiny. This is the basis of our global witness. This is the blessed Advent to which we all must now urgently attend.
Prayer
Come Lord Jesus, in winds that move us into genuine communion. Come Lord Jesus, in floods that compel us to seek and share common ground. Come Lord Jesus, in trimmers that teach us how to turn toward each other in mutual reverence. Maranatha. Amen.
About the AuthorKenneth L. Samuel is Pastor of Victory for the World Church, Decatur, Georgia.