« What is truth? | Main | Separation of government and religion »
January 14, 2005
Is it right to evangelize with Tsunami relief?
Some people are horrified that some Christian organizations are sending more than basic physical relief to people overwhelmed by the Tsunamis. Articles in the paper point out that most of the people who were afflicted are Buddhists, Hindus and Moslems. The articles state we must not take advantage of this situation, but simply use the opportunity to share God's love by meeting their basic needs. Obviously many organizations will only care for physical needs. UNICEF has been advertizing on the radio for donations, and they, along with the Red Cross will do a fine job of sending blankets, food, and funds to provide for shelter and relocation. Many denominational missions, such as One Great Hour of Sharing will not only provide for the immediate human needs, but also continue to help meet long-term physical needs.
But what did Jesus offer to those He saw in need? When a great crowd of people followed him, and it was getting late, Jesus recognized their human needs, and asked the disciples, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" John 6:6 tells us Jesus knew what He was going to do. He fully intended to provide for their physical needs, and He did, multiplying the loaves and fishes that were available. But shortly thereafter, when the crowds continued to follow Jesus, He said to them: "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you." Jesus went on to say, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."
Should we feed the hungry and provide for the needy? Of course we should, for the Lord instructed us to love our neighbor as ourselves, and the related story of the Good Samaritan makes clear that our neighbor is anyone who needs help. But the most loving thing we can ever give to anyone is the gospel. James reminds us how foolish it is to offer only prayer and religious words to those without clothes and daily food (James 2:15-16). But if we really understand that Jesus is the Bread of Life, and source of eternal life, and that those who do not believe in Christ stand condemned (Christ's words, right after John 3:16), and all we offer is physical support, how loving is that?
What is the purpose of the church? What did Jesus command His disciples to do? It was not to feed the hungry, but to preach the gospel, and take this good news to everyone, everywhere. While the politically correct will tell us to keep our religion to ourselves, fortunately Peter and James and John did not listen to those who told them to stop talking about Jesus. (Acts 4:12-20, 5:28-29)
Knowing that most of those who suffered from the Tsunamis are not Christian should motivate those who know Christ to not only provide for physical needs, that will bring temporary help, but just as urgent, spiritual truth that will bring life eternal. It is for this reason that my missions giving goes to those who provide both physical and spiritual needs. What do you think?
Posted by Pastorkeith at January 14, 2005 09:28 PM
Comments
These thoughts written here are making you a "Brighter light in the wilderness of------" you spoke about one time before. May the Lord be with you and give you the proper things needed to be said here in this method of reaching the "lost" Thank you, and may God bless you!
Posted by: Fred Hunholz at January 18, 2005 11:47 AM