I just want to share a short reflection after reading about what happened on 16th November to John Allen Chau - (http://www.bpnews.net/52019/crazy-or-called--missionarys-death-debated). The story of Chau probably reminded us to the story of Jim Elliot and his four other friends who died trying to reach the Huaorani in the Ecuador. But it also reminded me to a question I got from a colleague many years ago when I was still in research: Is Jesus’ death a sacrifice or a suicide?
I shared the story of Jesus at that time and one said: Supposed that Jesus did once walked on earth and went to the cross, I think He was crazy to go to the cross. It was suicide not a sacrifice. At least you serve some higher purpose if it is sacrifice, but it is suicide! Who wants to believe in someone who committed suicide? It is difficult to accept that Christ’ death is necessary for our forgiveness of sin and to take away God’s wrath.
With the controversy of his death, we do not know the impact of Chau’s story yet but one thing for certain, we know the impact of Jesus’ story. The story of Jesus’ death keeps on transforming lives including my own life. God’s way to reconcile His justice, wrath, mercy and love through His one and only Son is the most remarkable story I have ever heard and we believers have the assurance of truth in the story of Christ that transforms us daily.
If Chau’s story can stir the heart of many believers, should not the story of Jesus be even more powerful to compel us to be His witness to people who have not heard of His good news? God has called His people from every generation to be His witness. Will we learn from Jesus’ obedience and pick up our cross to share the good news of Christ in this month of December?
Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
- Jenni Wang
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