CTG 0007

URBAN HERMITS

Sometimes we just want to be left to ourselves. There's nothing wrong with that in itself. We all need time to relax.

I was waiting for a bus on my way to visit relatives, sitting on a wall, resting after a walk and enjoying the early morning sun.

A man, a little older than I am, sat next to me. I usually enjoy chatting, but the way I felt at that moment made it obvious to me that he was more wanting to talk than I was. As he talked I became aware that he had some interests that were similar to my own. And then he said something that gave me a natural open door to talk about Jesus, my Saviour.

I had just a few minutes to share the good news about the cross and forgiveness. Then the bus came and we were separated by the crowd. The opportunity would have been lost, if I hadn't allowed myself to be shifted from my understandable need to have a couple of minutes to myself.

We can live in densely populated urban metropolises and still have little contact with people. If you travel by bus or train, you'll notice that some folks never stop talking, while others hardly say a word to each other, even those who appear to be travelling together. I've been in places when, even just going up in an elevator together with others, if you say anything more than 'good morning' it would be considered to be intrusive.

Of course, it's right to be culturally adaptive and for us to realise that our own culture does not have the global monopoly with reference to right behaviour and practice. And it's also reasonable to take care in the current social uncertainties. But please God preserve us from becoming urban hermits.

Although God sends some of us to fulfil specific tasks, we all (the church) have been commissioned by him to play our part in spreading the gospel everywhere. Lovingly, truthfully, unashamedly, clearly and boldly. The Holy Spirit has been sent to help us.

Jesus said (John 20:21 ESV): "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you."

There are people out there who need to hear the good news about Jesus.

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FOR MORE THOUGHT:

Matthew 28:18:20

Mark 6:30-34

Acts 1:8

Acts 8:1-4

Romans 10:8-15 / Isaiah 52:7

Ephesians 6:14-20

Philippians 1:27-30

1 Timothy 2:1-7

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    The Gang ;-)