I Corinthians 14:11 “If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker and he is a foreigner to me.”
This verse took on a literal meaning when we traveled to Czech Republic this summer. The hotel we stayed at was within five blocks of the country of Poland. We enjoyed taking walks on each side of the river. Crossing the bridge meant you were entering a different country, each with its own currency and language. Whether in Czech Republic or Poland, the languages were foreign to us and that created some interesting challenges with simple tasks such as ordering a meal. Picture menus are priceless!
As we traveled, we found most of the younger generation could speak some English and we found relief in that as I have not yet begun to comprehend the foreign languages I encounter. I had been invited to speak at the annual youth conference in Smilovice, Czech Republic.
Tuesday morning Sherry and I participated in a breakout session presented by a pastor from Sweden. It was one of very few times
we did not need a translator. Pastor Stefan Gustavsson gave us an overview of major religions within the world and the basic similarities and differences of each. He placed the religions in different categories such as personal verses impersonal.
We split into small groups to discuss what he had presented and were given the opportunity to come back with questions. Two young adults were in our group. The young man in our group was eager to speak. He introduced himself as an atheist. He spoke of a recent experience in which he said he was able to go deep in meditation. He said everything about that time of meditation was impersonal. Everything within him and around him was impersonal. From that experience he concluded there is no such thing as a personal God and therefore there is nothing personal in this world. The world is as it is. It came to be on its own and changes on its own. His study of the Bible brought him to the conclusion that it is erroneous and contradictory. He cited the “controversy” of how many angles there were on that early Sunday morning when the disciples discovered an empty grave.
His comments identified him as a foreigner within our setting. He appeared to be fairly well educated and articulate in his communication. He was from the area. He was within his own country and in fact lived within walking distance from the camp location. He spoke the native language. He spoke fluent
English and appeared to have studied the Scriptures to some extent. Yet he set himself apart. He identified himself as a foreigner to the gospel. He identified himself as a foreigner to the Word of God.
When we returned from our small group discussion, the young man challenged the speaker on several points. It became a teachable moment for the group in general. The speaker, Pastor Gustavsson, teaches apologetics in a college setting in Sweden. The pastor skillfully engaged the young man without putting him down. He presented well organized and convincing statements in defense of the Bible, creation and the gospel message. The young man chose not to debate any further but suggested they reach a like-minded stance that the Bible does contain errors.
The session ended but the spiritual battle did not. The young man seemed confused and uncertain but not ready to yield.
Pastor Michal Klus said the young man occasionally joins in with the local church youth group
In this setting, through his statements and beliefs, the young man set himself apart as a foreigner. During the discussion I prayed the Lord would use this moment as a means to break the binding power of Satan. The young man may or may not be aware of the spiritual warfare going on for his soul. It was sad to see a young person with so much potential standing before the crowd denouncing the only hope he has in this world and the next.
I Peter 5:8, “…your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
At times the young man had a slight smile on his face. It was hard to determine if it was due to nervousness or if he was enjoying the moment as he openly challenged the Word of God. He seemed totally unaware of the spiritual battle going on around him. He seemed totally unaware of the beast that is about to devour him.
A number of years ago, Sherry and I had the opportunity to go on a safari. Animals in the wild were an amazing sight. Prides of lions walked within feet of our vehicle. They seemed tame in their appearance as they walked by. They showed no fear of humans. Yet a few hours later, we witnessed a large cat and her yearling cubs stalk a gazelle. They were patient in their stalk. They moved cautiously, sometimes stopping mid-stride. They blended in with the tall grasses. They crouched yet never seemed to take their eyes off the intended victim.
For much of the time the gazelle seemed unaware of the dangers nearby. Occasionally the gazelle would raise their heads and look around but would quickly return to grazing. All of a sudden, the yearlings sprang into action. They charged their prey. The gazelle were running at full speed within seconds. It seemed the gazelle would escape this time. It seemed there was no possibility that the yearling cubs would gain the ground needed to be able to overtake the gazelle. Then the tempo of the chase changed. The cubs moved to the right, giving the appearance of an escape route to the left. As the gazelle veered to the left, they seemed unaware they were about to cross paths with the mother cat. She closed in quickly and took down her prey. We watched as the cats devoured their prey.
It was startling to see the display of speed and power. My heart was pounding and I was awestruck in what I had witnessed. So quickly the day changed from one of peaceful grazing to an all out battle for life. One was victorious and one was not. Being alert to danger is key.
The Lord tells us to remain alert. He tells us that Satan is like a roaring lion, seeking to devour his prey. It’s sobering to witness the speed, power and craftiness of the cats in the wild and to read how the Lord likens their abilities and actions to that of Satan.
As I thought about this young man, I prayed a prayer of thanksgiving because through His gift of grace, I will not be devoured by Satan. Because of a prick of faith, the Lord worked a miracle in my life and has given me the precious gift of eternal salvation. At one time I too was a foreigner to the gospel. I too was about to be devoured by Satan. Yet, by the grace of God, I am His. I have been given new life.
He calls us to share the gift of salvation with those around us. I feel strong and ready at the beginning of the day. After a good night’s sleep and time with Him I feel I am ready to go out into the world and do His work. But then when the day is coming to an end, my body feels tired, and with all of the stress of the day, my mind is even tired and ready to shut down. Then the phone rings. At times it seems the phone call asking for help comes at times when I am exhausted from a full day of work and in need of rest. Other times the phone call is one of many received regarding the same person. He is in trouble again. He is in jail again. He wants my help, yet he never seems to take my advice. I wonder if he has hit rock bottom this time or if he will stop short of asking the Lord to come into his life. I grow tired of the phone calls. I grow tired of finding the wall that is too high to climb and too thick to break through.
I know Satan is battling for his soul yet I am tired and frustrated and worn out from a full day. I need the reminder that this is not my battle. It belongs to the Lord. I cannot rely upon my strength.
I Peter 4:7-11, reminds me of several key factors;
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled, so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gifts he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves he should do it with the strength God provides so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”
The world is bursting at the seams with foreigners. They are crossing our paths every day. If we remain alert and in His word daily, drawing upon Him for wisdom and strength, we will be ready for whatever the Lord brings our way.
Lord’s blessings to you as you serve so faithfully. May He give you ever increasing strength as you enter the battlefield each and every day.
Glenn Mork, World Missions Committee
