Post 37 / The Next Language
March 9, 2021
The Other Side
22 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. … 27 And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in [any] house, but in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, [thou] Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. [Luke 8:22, 27-28 KJV]
I see a parallel between this account of Jesus crossing the sea with His disciples and our task to reach every kindred, tongue, people, and nation.
The goal (which we must assume is the will of God) was clearly stated in each case. “Let us go over unto the other side of the lake.” Also obvious was that Jesus was present (even though asleep). The storm and the disciples’ fear were pretty much where we find ourselves in this day and age. We are somewhere between the great commission and the final throne room of God where we will actually be with those of EVERY tribe. We find ourselves in storms of life that are extraordinary at times with temptations to give up.
We even have people advising us to redefine the goal. We are told we should not strive to put the story of Jesus in EVERY language but rather in every language “that needs it.” I see this as a missiological excuse for changing the destination in order to diminish the storm. Restrictions imposed by Covid-19 are another blatant torment that currently block the way to the “other side.”
But what was happening while Jesus’ entourage was crossing the sea and going through the storm? The Gadarene demoniac was directed to the spot where they were going to land and was apprised of the arrival, and of the name, mission, and nature of Jesus. He was prepared and waiting for a Word from God. And notice Jesus didn’t even need an introduction!
It is time for us to implore the Lord of the harvest to rebuke the storm, restore our faith, and take us to the last, the least, and the lost. Our own “other side.” And in faith I believe that during this storm we can pray that God will be preparing our target — those unreached peoples — for the arrival of the Gospel.
God Bless,
Larry DeVilbiss | Executive Director
Global Recordings Network USA
P. S. As a “thank you” for your continued support of the ministry of Global Recordings Network USA, and in celebration of over 80 years of God’s faithfulness, we have compiled a collection of 80 daily devotions written by GRN founder, Joy Ridderhof. You may read or download your copy of Rejoice Always – 80 Devotions with Joy Ridderhof here.