Miracle in the Bakaa

It was another dinner, another conversation. You have lots of these in Lebanon—lots. There is no end to the stories of ministries, ministers doing their own thing. I suppose the years of civil war have led to lots of mistrust. Throw in a culture of tribalism, and it makes sense that many are in their silos. It sort of came to a head for me, when we discovered that our ministry in the north of Syria was thwarted by churches fighting with one another.

Friday night proved to be a different story. For the first time, various home groups in the Bekaa Valley were invited to actually meet together. Would they come? We really didn’t know. It’s been so easy to criticize one another over some theological difference, leadership issue. A space for worship, for gathering outside of homes, was recently secured. By most of our standards, it’s not a lot, but it is big enough to bring people together. As I prayed about what to say, God gave me Ephesians 3:20-21—a powerful reminder that God is able.

I have often used this verse to assure myself and others that God can do the impossible—provide for our needs, heal lives, change hearts. But for years, I missed the context, that is all about the fact that the walls are down, and groups as disparate as Jew and Gentile can come together. Over here, it is hard to get Baptists together! I’m serious. There are so many walls it sometimes feels like walking in a maze—so many silos it feels like Kansas. But as this text affirms, God will have none of it. The Cross changed all of this—“But now in Christ you have been brought near, for He Himself is our peace, making both into one” (2:13-14). And if we believe it is impossible, then we miss Paul’s closing words in vss 20-21—GOD IS ABLE!

The miracle over the Bekaa is that the room was full—a mix of Bedouins, former Muslims, a mix of Lebanese and Americans and Europeans and Chinese—all worshipping God. And from everything I could tell—hungering for this unity Christ prayed about in John 17:20-21. By this will men know that the Father has sent Jesus. Last night, it was clear to most that Jesus was sent.

 

 

Comments

[Brian Larson]

I have often lamented that "church" would be a much better place if we all believed the same way, worshiped the same way, sang the same songs, etc. "Church", however, is a mess of humanity from differnt experiences, traditions, beliefs and cultures that share in the love and redemption of Jesus Christ. The world is now a global community and the meshing together of cultures is not without it's bumps. God has called special people to the front lines of this process (Dr. J., India team, Lebonon team, etc.) and our prayers are with you as you encourage and support the church in a foreign and challenging setting.

[Brian Larson]

I have, on more than one occasion, lamented that "church" would be so much better if we all believed the same way, sang the same songs, worshiped the same, etc. Instead, "church" is this mess of humanity from different experiences, traditions and cultures that cannot seem to come to terms on much, but share the love and gift of redemption of Jesus Christ. We are now a global community and the meshing together of these different cultures is rough to say the least. Those on the front lines (Dr. J., India team, Lebonon team etc.) are tasked with helping to smooth some of the rough spots as the gospel is spread. Not an easy task. Courage and strength to you all, our prayers are with you.