04 30 08 Beginning at Jerusalem

“He told them, ‘This is what is written. The Christ will suffer.
He will rise from the dead on the third day.
His followers will preach in his name.
They will tell others to turn away from their sins and be forgiven.
People from every nation will hear it, beginning at Jerusalem.
You have seen these things with your own eyes’.”
(Luke 24:46-48 NIrV)

Jesus intended for His words and His life to be proclaimed openly and freely, and with authority (kerusso). Every tribe, nation, and people group (ethnos) is intended to hear the Gospel, not whom we choose. Christ reached out to His people first, but did not stop there. We too must be willing to cross-cultures, cross fences, and cross the tracks!

From Nazareth to Jerusalem it was approximately 65-70 miles, a 4-5 day journey by foot. From Jerusalem to Samaria it was roughly 35 miles (direct line) or 2-3 days by foot. If we follow Jesus’ ministry, we see that He did not travel far from home. Oh sure, He travelled by fishing boat and by foot, so the travel was a little slower, but the message here is that He was concerned with those around Him BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM. We know He was rejected on occasion in His home town of Nazareth; even by His own brothers. But Jesus tried. Listen to Paul’s concern for His own people.

“I am so concerned about my people, who are members of my own race. I am ready to be cursed, if that would help them. I am even willing to be separated from Christ.”
(Romans 9:3)

Let me first say this. I love mission work and am committed for life. I thank God for those who have travelled to the ends of the earth, even giving their lives to reach people some never knew existed. At times I feel a little guilty working locally, when so many are making so many life-sacrifices around the world. Having said that, here is my point today: Why are we so excited to give to a people thousands of miles away? Why are we willing to raise large sums of money and travel to remote areas (at times rather comfortable areas) to teach Vacation Bible Schools and participate in street evangelism? What motivates us to join the work of those in China, Africa, Asia, and other regions of the world? If the motivation is to spread the Good News…to make God known and relevant to those who have not yet heard or who don’t quite understand, then why are we not BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM?

How can we walk over and around the homeless in our streets as we attend sporting events? How can we simply ignore the young teens in the hoodies and baggy jeans every day without at least saying; “Hey dude, how ‘ya doin’ today? You guys ok?" How can we possibly look down upon the pregnant teen without trying to understand her situation? The immigrants cutting the lawns and serving our food are loved by Jesus as much as we are. Do we care about those around us, in our JERUSALEM?

How many of our neighbors would we see in need of a Savior if we walked 10-15 miles a day seeking to spread the news of the Gospel, as Jesus did? How many would we see in need within just 35-40 miles of our home? How many school children in need of a jacket or a hat (let the children come to Me…)? How many single moms needing a word of encouragement (maybe a Samaritan woman or a Mary Magdalene)? How many struggling fathers need to know their DADDY is proud of them as does love them in their pursuits of the Father’s heart (does David ring a bell)? How many broken families need to hear, “I’ll never leave you nor forsake you”?

Why are third world nations sending more missionaries here to the U.S. than we are sending to them? I believe it’s because the need is so great! Homelessness is on the rise. The Christian divorce rate may even be higher than the secular rate. School children are going without proper clothing and food. Parents are working two-three-even four jobs to keep up a lifestyle that is crumbling form the inside out. Too many children roam the streets from 3:00 pm until dark, even beyond. Why? Because we, the Church Body are allowing it to happen! We are not involved. We are not engaged. We are becoming desensitized to the problem!

There is a need for missions for sure… BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM…OUR JERUSALEM! Take a walk. Look around the schools, playgrounds, neighborhoods, malls. Can we all ask God for a burden for our JERUSALEM? Whether we live in New Orleans, New York, Baltimore, or Washington, DC; the ‘hood needs our help and it needs God’s presence. People from every nation need to hear it and see it, BEGINNING AT OUR JERUSALEM!