Word of God

Lost in Translation

/ pastorpete51 / 1 Comment

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?

The Middle of Things

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But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.  Matthew 14:24

As we reach the half way point of my wife’s chemotherapy the phrase – midst of the sea – is a pretty good description of where we are. “The midst of the sea” is that place where it is impossible to look back and see where we started, but not far enough along to see where we are going. “Has God not been with us every step of the way?” Oh Yes He has! – but there are days and hours that the endless horizon wears on our hopes.

At the monthly missions banquet I fell into conversation with one lady who had been involved in Christian broadcasts in China. She remarked to me that while the Bible is the best seller in the world each year, she wondered how many really read it. “Oh I read my Bible every day!” I exclaimed “”But that is because you are a pastor.” She replied. “Oh no it is the other way around.” I said. The Bible is my hope. That is what keeps me connected I need to read my Bible!”

I don’t know if she believed me but that conversation clarified in my own mind just where I am on my journey. The promises of God are much more precious now than at the beginnings of my faith. They are what keeps me from despair and guides me across that “midst of the sea” Jesus has left us His promises in His word. His word is a guardian angel – always present when we open its pages. It is the water of life when we long for a drop of cool water in the desert places of our hearts. It is the compass that points to the true north of God’s destination on the other side. Thank God that here in the midst of things He comes anSailboatd says, “Don’t be afraid, it is I !”