It's been a while since I last wrote, but I'm sure everyone will get sick of how much I post on the Race anyway!
Well…to get straight to the point, which I am always prone to do, I've been thinking a bit on what others might think when they see/hear what I am about to partake in with the World Race…Is it Radical?
Definitely!
Maybe…
Eh..Neh..
I just watched a documentary of sorts based on chapter 58 from Isaiah basically shouting aloud God's affection for the poor, lost, broken and needy. It showed people from all walks of life, barely surviving, barely living, hopeless, and broken.
" IS NOT THIS THE FAST THAT I CHOOSE: TO LOOSE THE BONDS OF WICKEDNESS, TO UNDO THE STRAPS OF THE YOKE, TO LET THE OPPRESSED GO FREE, AND TO BREAK EVERY YOKE? IS IT NOT TO SHARE YOUR BREAD WITH THE HUNGRY AND BRING THE HOMELESS POOR INTO YOUR HOUSE; WHEN YOU SEE THE NAKED, TO COVER HIM…IF YOU POUR YOURSELF OUT FOR THE HUNGRY AND SATISFY THE DESIRE OF THE AFFLICTED, THEN SHALL YOUR LIGHT RISE IN THE DARKNESS AND YOUR GLOOM BE AS THE NOONDAY..."
Is it not the inner most desire of our God to…
FREE those who are chained, BREAK every weight bearing upon the weak, FEED the hungry, CLOTHE the naked, and SATISFY the desire of the afflicted????
I believe it is. It's basic. It's for all. It's for here and now, past, and future. It doesn't answer all the questions of pain and heartache, it doesn't immediately solve all the problems, but it does allow me to see that God's heart not only beats for His people but especially for the broken, weary, lost, and oppressed. In Africa, in Asia, in Europe, in the US, and everywhere.
God asked all of His children to take care of each other, especially to look out for the lost, weary, broken, and hopeless, because THAT is who God is most drawn to, and for whom His heart beats for.
So, may I ask all of you again: Is what I am doing radical?
Hardly.
I just happen to get the chance to go see a lot of His people and love on them.
I'll end this post with my prayer, for myself and for all believers in Christ, on the matters of loving others, because it's not about being radical, it's just about doing what God has already called you to do, here and everywhere else.
Jesus, start on this day within me, here and now, (not just on the World Race) that I might be weakened by what weakens You, hopelessly in love with what You love, drawn to what Your heart beats for, and living my life WORTHY of the calling I have received Your child, wrecked for what wrecks You, commanded to care and love those around me, those in need, those who are sick, those who are lost, and those who are oppressed.
As I am able, beckon me, enable me, and send me to go, Today, in this place, Tomorrow, in another, and Forever anywhere You would have me go. Not radically, just as You would see fit, as You have called me to do every day of my life.