All In

{From April 16, 2010}

"Then Paul answered, 'What are you doing, weeping & breaking my heart?  For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.'"

(Acts 21:13)

Sacrifice.  Vision.  Serenity.  Paul was so focused on his mission & calling from God that all three of these elements are present in Acts 21.  A prophetic word was spoken about his future in Jerusalem (should he continue on his journey) - he would be bound.  But Paul knew what he'd gotten himself into.   He was ready.  He would continue his ministry for Jesus and let everything else fall into place.  He was all in.  He was committed to living out Jesus' call to "deny thyself, take up your cross & follow."  No matter where that road would lead.

When I went to South Korea in 2005, I was struck by the vision of ministry that BuPyung Methodist Church had for Southeast Asia.  They were committed to sharing the love of Jesus with all - including the "tough places" where it was dangerous to do so.  Places like China, Vietnam & India.  Rev. Hong (the senior pastor) even commented how after he retires from being the lead pastor at BuPyung, he wanted to go back into the mission field himself... and how he'd be willing to give up his life for Christ, should it come to that.  And he was completely serious.  To be honest, that wasn't a commitment I thought I could make at the time.

Here in the US, we're extremely insulated from sacrifice & suffering - when it comes to our faith.  We have no clue what others go through around the world for their beliefs.  But we also don't know the peace & joy that comes from going "all in" for Him.  We have so much to learn...