Sent but Not Strangers

Devotional week 33

John 17:15-18 (NIV) “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.”

I was sitting in a coffee shop enjoying my coffee when a lady approached and said, "Do you know that you are called for the nations?" I answered with an annoyed, “Yes,” hoping the lady would go away and not start another conversation about my so-called "calling". Fortunately, she did not get the hint, and the conversation we had convinced me that I had to pray and think more seriously about how I understood the Great Commission. 

A few years before this incident, someone else said the same thing. At that time, I believed being called to the nations meant traveling and preaching. Which in itself is not something that I can imagine doing because I hated public speaking. Besides, I was sure that Jesus' words in John 17:15–18 were for the original disciples, not for someone like me living in 2005.

The weeks following, I prayed and fasted, hoping something would change. I thought I would get a supernatural ability to speak in public and millions in the bank to travel, but that did not happen. 

Instead, my perception changed.

Years later, we were hosting a dinner party. I looked around the room and saw that there were over 21 different cultures around the dinner table. I remembered the words "Do you know that you are called for the nations?" 

It clicked. Being called to the nations is not solely about preaching and traveling; it is about making a conscious choice to serve the communities we live in, building friendships with our neighbors, and inviting people who are different from us into our lives. This approach ensures that we are not just strangers telling others to follow Jesus. Instead, our lives and interactions create a safe space for people to ask why we do things differently from what they are used to seeing. This, in turn, becomes a connection to Jesus.

Challenge

We are all called to make disciples and spread the gospel. However, "nations" do not always refer to geographical locations. Consider the strangers you meet daily. Have you ever thought about building a deeper connection with them and becoming friends in an effort to introduce them to Jesus?

Pray

Jesus, help me to get out of my comfort zone. Show me ways how I can meet strangers and turn them into friends. Give me the opportunity to have meaningful conversations that will ultimately lead them to You. Amen