I'm by no means a history buff, but I am fascinated by certain aspects of history. In particular I'm always interested to learn how small mundane events in the past shaped the future. I love hearing the testimonies of famous theologians who's stories involve their parents coming to faith and living fairly unremarkable lives. The person who led them to faith most likely had no idea that their spiritual heritage changed millions of lives. Their small act of obedience was used in huge ways.
This leads me to a verse which I find absolutely fascinating.
Romans 2
10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome
I don't think I've heard anyone else emphasize this particular verse (maybe I have but I just don't recall). All it really does is list groups of people who appeared on the day of Pentecost.
What's fascinating to me is that most likely they were part of the group of people who were saved that day, and then after they returned to their home they started a church in Rome. Then 25 to 30 years later, their church received Paul's letter to the Romans. Within time the church most likely started by these visitors from Rome would become the center for the Church and shape Christianity for all history.
All of this assumes that the church in Rome was started by these visitors from Rome. I could be wrong. What if it wasn't them, and we have absolutely no idea who started the church which shaped all of Christianity? Best case scenario all we know is that they were at Pentecost.
Why do I write about all of this?
Because their story is one of the most inspirational stories I have ever heard (or in this case not heard). Most of us aren't going to be the next Billy Graham. We're not going to lead churches with 10,000 people. We're not going to be on TV. We're not going to write a book. We're not going to be remembered throughout history.
Their story is not unlike most of our stories. Whoever started the church in Rome was faithful to spread the gospel, and God used their faithfulness to change the world. But in their life time, they wouldn't have seen the impact of their faithfulness. At times it may have seemed like their actions were in vain. So often in ministry we don't get to see the ultimate pay off of our efforts. We don't know the full extent of what happens when we're faithful
Their story is not unlike most of our stories. Whoever started the church in Rome was faithful to spread the gospel, and God used their faithfulness to change the world. But in their life time, they wouldn't have seen the impact of their faithfulness. At times it may have seemed like their actions were in vain. So often in ministry we don't get to see the ultimate pay off of our efforts. We don't know the full extent of what happens when we're faithful
Your spiritual legacy will last for eternity. Your small acts of faithfulness will be used to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.
My mother came to faith while living in Singapore. A co-worker invited her to Bible study, and through their conversations she put her faith in Jesus. Because of that conversation she started my families spiritual legacy. My legacy is a continuation of her legacy. All the people I influence trace back to their conversations. It's possible she has no idea how broad her spiritual legacy is.
My mother came to faith while living in Singapore. A co-worker invited her to Bible study, and through their conversations she put her faith in Jesus. Because of that conversation she started my families spiritual legacy. My legacy is a continuation of her legacy. All the people I influence trace back to their conversations. It's possible she has no idea how broad her spiritual legacy is.
When we're faithful in small things, God does big things
...and we don't always see the results!
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