I usually expect Jesus to show up and do some pretty cool things.
It actually frustrates me how shocked I get when He always pulls through and does some pretty sweet things.
These last few days I can only compare to a taxi ride- you know the ones with the really fast straight aways, quick turns, and then the sudden slam on the breaks.
I want to briefly describe a few typical “God Sightings”, but also how He is slamming the breaks on my life….
An adventure to Singapore, anything to get another stamp in the passport right? An amazing long day of exploring and just being a tourist led me to another China town. I have seen my fair share of Buddhist temples in my time. They are usually empty with some artifacts, and of course a table of fresh fruit for the gods. Sometimes Doritos it they are lucky. I find it a hobby to just explore them. But this one was different- very different. This one I bumped into was packed with HUNDREDS of people rattling sticks, offering flowers and incense, praying loudly, some with tears streaming down their faces. Even young children rubbing their hands on the statues that are supposed to be worshiped. This broke me. My afternoon was spent praying in the dark corners of some other temples. Our God will rein there one day.
I ran into a Chinese man in public restroom (opposite sexes don’t matter in these places) and he asked if I was affiliated with missions. He is a believer. I felt encouraged.
The same night I needed to get on a bus. To buy a ticket I ended up in a dark hall which has Vietnamese sweat shops, and even a room packed with women. They are spouses for sale. You hear of these places, but when you see them it is as if reality slaps you on the face, and you don’t want to live for the things you usually do.
Back to Kuala Lumpur. In a cab with my team. This is a random event in itself because we are people who would rather just walk, but the rain was pretty amplified compared to usual. This led me to meet Shark my taxi driver. A hard core Islamic Malay who was not afraid to tell me that my God lives within me, to cherish my temple, and serve Jesus to the best of my ability. This man worshiped another god, but had respect for mine. He wanted to see me grow more in Christ. Woah.
We are staying in a hostel for a few more days now. One that has warnings on my bedroom walls about how the prostitutes I invite for the night may try to steal my things. It was a nice consideration for them to let me know that. I see many on the streets at night here.
Vietnam has some visa issues with us. No worries because Jesus obviously has more ministry for us here. Today I met a Catholic woman who was stoked to meet another Christian. She wants to follow my journey thru my blogs.
I am seeing so many things. Everyday I have no idea what to expect. One minute I’m laughing with God and how He decides to bless me. The next minute I am crying in frustration for the church.
This is the reality that is slapping me hard. Jesus had to pursue me in order for me to know Him. “Why me God?” I find myself wondering this a lot. Walking the streets makes me realize that if I grew up in a place like this, there is a realization that I would probably not have a relationship with Jesus. He would probably have to have pursued me through maybe a missionary, but with the vast number of lost, well my chances are slim.
This breaks me.
The earth is full of people.
People who are working.
Working hard to build a Kingdom.
Whether it is for the kingdom of themselves, or the false God they are pleased to serve.
Their kingdoms are growing.
We want to make something bigger than ourselves.
So we build.
This is not a new idea.
Heck read Genesis- Babel says it all.
Jesus did the work to build his Kingdom.
He commissioned me and ALL his followers to join in with him.
Join the work of THIS kingdom- for it will last.
Matthew 6:10 “Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.”
XXX
