Constantly Moving

In 2015, the news reported a horrible tragedy: the body of three-year-old Alan Kurdi had washed up on a beach near Bodrum, Turkey. Alan’s family of Syrian refugees were trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea to a Greek island when their inflatable boat capsized. This tragedy testified to the refugees’ desperation: they chose to risk the harsh sea in a raft to escape the threats of terrorists in their homeland. The accident also reminds us of the long history of shipwrecks in the Mediterranean.

Whilst in Malta last week, I learnt that the Mediterranean Sea was a key part of the apostle Paul’s missionary travels. He tells of being shipwrecked there three times and being stranded on the open sea while on the move for God. In Paul’s work of spreading the good news of Jesus, he was also beaten, pelted with stones, and thrown into prison. That happened because people in some places were hostile to the message of Christ. In addition, some false teachers twisted the message of Jesus for their profit, fame, and power. Sadly, false, and corrupt leaders are still doing similar things today.

Today, as Paul and Jesus explained, challenges and dangers often go with sharing the good news because the devil is opposed to it. Satan doesn’t want anyone to be saved. But in God’s strength, the good news of Jesus keeps moving to every nation, tongue, and people. Will you help to share it too?

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, guide me to share your good news everywhere, always moving forward following your Spirit’s lead. Father help me to deal faithfully with the shipwrecks that arise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.