Lost in Translation

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.                       2 Corinthians 5:20

In Paul’s day ambassadors would have been required to speak both the language of their king as well as that of the people to whom they were sent. As Christ’s ambassadors we, must not only proclaim, but also translate. I have worked as a translator, so here are a few tips. First, let His message flow! Simply speaking another language doesn’t help us to translate if we get caught up on every detail. We must flow with the message. That is how God wants us to share the gospel. We don’t need to understand everything. Our job is to do the best we can and let it flow!

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Second, don’t change the message. There are times when I am not comfortable with what the person for whom I am translating is saying but I can’t change or leave out the parts I don’t like.  God has called us to carry His entire message to all kinds of people and trust Him. Last, never stop learning! Just because I can adequately translate doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try to improve. As God’s ambassadors we must always be striving to know the language of heaven better. We are called to reach our world. The stakes are eternal. The rewards are immense. How can we do less than our best to speak in ways that reach people desperately in need of Him?

Never Too Late!

On the verge of celebrating 66 Christmas times I look back with some nostalgia mixed with unspoken regrets. It is too late for some of the career choices I had hoped to make. It is too late for some of the ministry I had once thought I would do. It is too late for more children. It is too late for another talk with Dad, a different way I could have treated my family or even better stewardship of the money that has passed through my hands. But Martha’s encounter with Jesus at the edge of Bethany gives me hope that:

It is never too late for Him to come. It is never too late to listen to His word. His heart has been with me and you every moment of every hour and He has come to share this day with us. Even now; tombs will be opened, grave clothes removed and life renewed at the sound of His voice! No matter the moment, no matter thehour it is never too late for Jesus!

 

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An Open Door

At our local Home Depot service desk I over heard a lady remarking, ” The reason that I have to return this doorbell is that our house is just too big!” Aren’t you glad that as big as God’s house is, His ears are still sensitive enough to hear us when we call? Don’t be afraid to keep on seeking, asking and knocking. It is Jesus Himself who has invited us  and He is inside waiting for us to come!1507543886312_image.jpg