We saw statues of those gods all over...
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That passage may sound strange to those who have never left the US, but when I lived in Nepal, it was an everyday thing. We saw statues of those gods all over, and we even knew the names of some of them. One god we saw was huge! He was twenty feet or more long and covered with colorful powders. He must have been powerful! You could buy those powders near the reclining statue and dump them on him out of reverence. When we visited China and Japan, we saw huge statues of fat Buddhas in many places and believers were putting coins in a basin in front of them. Some were spinning prayer wheels. I never heard them speak a word! But neither did any of their worshipers. The reason they were worshiping these idols is that they didn't know anything else! They and their parents had always worshiped them. Are we Christians because we have always been, in perhaps several generations? What would we be if someone in our history -- new or ancient -- had not taught us about Jesus? As a missionary it was my job to introduce these people in Nepal to our Lord.
I could mention that even Muslims would never say "Jesus be cursed," though they did not accept him as Lord! Only God can look in their hearts and see what they believe.
What makes us better than those idol worshipers? Is it because we can say "Jesus is Lord"? The next question may be harder for some. "Why do we believe that Jesus is Lord?" Is it because we can quote the catechism? We don't need to have an experience like Saul on the road to Damascus! But there must come a time when we somehow know in our heart that He is Lord.
I think one of those times comes when we receive an assignment or a gift from our Lord. Our lesson lists a number of those gifts. Yes, most of us may receive a gift of wisdom, knowledge, and faith that makes us want to help each other. But others -- yes, even some Christians -- have gifts like healing, prophecy, and even mysterious tongues! We used to condemn these last ones when I first had MY mysterious experiences but now we are all accepted as good fellow Christians.
Maybe some of you will be called to "preach the gospel in all the world." But most will have other callings to serve our Lord right in your church at home. Don't miss those opportunities! They are God's blessing and opportunities to show your thankfulness to Him. God will give each of you the gifts to do what He is calling you to do! Keep your ears and heart open!
I could mention that even Muslims would never say "Jesus be cursed," though they did not accept him as Lord! Only God can look in their hearts and see what they believe.
What makes us better than those idol worshipers? Is it because we can say "Jesus is Lord"? The next question may be harder for some. "Why do we believe that Jesus is Lord?" Is it because we can quote the catechism? We don't need to have an experience like Saul on the road to Damascus! But there must come a time when we somehow know in our heart that He is Lord.
I think one of those times comes when we receive an assignment or a gift from our Lord. Our lesson lists a number of those gifts. Yes, most of us may receive a gift of wisdom, knowledge, and faith that makes us want to help each other. But others -- yes, even some Christians -- have gifts like healing, prophecy, and even mysterious tongues! We used to condemn these last ones when I first had MY mysterious experiences but now we are all accepted as good fellow Christians.
Maybe some of you will be called to "preach the gospel in all the world." But most will have other callings to serve our Lord right in your church at home. Don't miss those opportunities! They are God's blessing and opportunities to show your thankfulness to Him. God will give each of you the gifts to do what He is calling you to do! Keep your ears and heart open!
