Are we "whole world" Christians?

The young children of our Sunday School recently illustrated that "He's got the whole world in His hands". As they sang, they tossed into the air balls coloured green and blue, depicting land and water. What did we see: an entertaining picture? (which worship is not), or a challenge? -- to see God's mission in global terms.

Increasingly, we are challenged to think in "whole world" terms. In this age of "globalization", those planning competitive ventures in business and commerce must consider international trade, aiming for impact in markets throughout the whole world. In a world of inter-continental air travel, the practice of medicine and the protection of public health require doctors and health authorities to grapple with the rapid spread of viruses across the whole world. Television and satellite and internet transmissions bring into our living rooms the sights and sounds of the wars of the whole world.

What, though, of the practice of Christian faith? The God whom we know as Creator of the whole world addresses that world, and calls its citizens to think and speak and act in global terms. "Now the whole world had one language and a common speech," we are told in Genesis 11: 1. Our speaking and acting, however, must be according to a divine agenda, and not merely a human one. Trying to build the tallest tower and to gain the biggest reputation led the global builders at Babel from confidence to confusion, and not the reverse. There are spiritual forces at work in our world. The book of Revelation reminds us that "the great dragon was hurled down -- that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray." (Rev. 12: 9)

God has addressed our human predicament on the broadest scale. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3: 16) Jesus is a "whole world" Saviour, as John reminds us: "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." (I John 2: 2). Does that mean that everyone is saved? No, for clearly the Bible teaches that hell is not an empty place, but it does mean that this "whole world" Saviour is for people of every language, tribe, and nation.

We are often willing to acknowledge that Jesus is a "whole world" Saviour, but when it comes to our involvement in the mission of the church to that world, we are often content to let each one shine the light "you in your small corner, and I in mine". The consequence is that we tend to be absorbed in our own little worlds, and not engaged in whole world issues.

"He's got the whole world in His hands": Who's in our hands? Who is in our minds and on our hearts? Our mission is His mission, and that includes the neighbourhood around Parkwood, which increasingly is a global community, with immigrants from every corner of the world. We are also called to partnership with His church in the whole world, across the length of our nation and encircling the globe. As we reflect on our Missions Conference, and as we pursue the opportunities set before us, let us seek to be "whole world" Christians, for we serve a "whole world" Saviour.

He's got the whole world in His hands? Who's in yours?

Your pastor,

James T. Hurd.