Safety

When I tell people about my upcoming trip to Africa I usually get a similar response.  They usually say "Oh that's awesome." or "Wow God will have great things in store for you."  The one thing that people say with out fail is something to the effect of "Be Safe."  Of course I so appreciate their concern for my safety.  However, it makes me think, never once in the bible does God command us to live safe lives.  Rather he commands us to be radical, dangerous, hated, persecuted and betrayed.  To me this just seem so different to what most Christians (myself included) think.


In Matthew 10 Jesus is sending his disciples out to the world, he says they will be like sheep among wolves.  Hum, sheep like the really stupid animals, the craziest thing they could do is run into a pack of wolves.  Sheep are virtually defenseless.  Yet the Good Shepard is telling us to be sheep among wolves.  Ok so if I am a sheep than I should surround myself with wolves...  Honestly I can't really think of any wolves in my life. I'm not persecuted, in danger, hated, betrayed and up until recently I though this was ok. In fact I thought this was good.  But then I read Radical by David Platt and I started digging into the bible.  I didn't find want I wanted, I didn't get a pat on the back, or a passive answer, I got the truth. 

Mark 16:15-16  And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation..."
Matthew 28:19  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Mark 13:10 You must be on your guard.  You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues.  On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.   And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. 




Francis Chan has a great video out about living boldly.  Please enjoy.  

It kind puts in perspective doesn't it. 


Jim Elliot, who was one of five missionaries killed while evangelizing the Waodani people of Equator, said "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."  A movie was put out a few years ago telling the story of these five missionaries.  I encourage you to consider watching it.