[236 words]
Missionary Egerton Ryerson Young served the Salteaux tribe in Canada in the 1700’s. The chief of the tribe thanked Young for bringing the good news of the Gospel to them, noting that he was hearing it for the first time in his old age. Since he knew that God was Young’s heavenly Father, the chief asked, “Does that mean He is my Father too?” When the missionary answered, “Yes.” The crowd gathered around burst into cheers.
The chief was not finished, however. “Well,” said the chief, “I do not want to be rude, but it does seem to me that it took a rather long time for you to tell your brother in the woods.” It was a remark that Young never forgot.
Many times you and I get frustrated by the zigs and zags that life has to offer, thinking of the people we need to reach with the gospel while thinking…if only…if only. The Word of God reminds us to look around right where we are and we will discover many who may never have heard the gospel. We are reminded that we have a message to relate wherever we go, “for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him” (Rom. 10:12-13). Sharing the good news of salvation with those who are lost is like one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread!
Tim Woodward
Smithville church of Christ
Smithville, TN