Obstacles
Did you know that there are still places where the Word of God is not received freely?
This week we received news that some countries have started banning Bible apps, including our own. We are very happy to know that our content reaches so many people, but news like this makes us sad for those who will no longer have access.
For many of us, having a Bible in our hands is something so common that it may be hard to imagine that, somewhere, someone could be prevented from accessing it, sharing it, or even knowing it. While the Word reaches millions of people through different resources and technologies, there are places where Christian content is blocked and where talking about Jesus can be difficult or even dangerous.
What are we doing with the freedom we have to proclaim it?
Word for all
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations...”
Matthew 28:19 (NIV)
The Word of God was not given to remain restricted to one people, one culture, or one generation. From the beginning, God's plan involves reaching people from all nations. Jesus did not call his disciples to proclaim the Gospel only where it would be easy to receive it, but to go throughout the whole world and make disciples.
It is striking to think that what is so accessible to some may be unknown or even forbidden to others. We have Bibles available in different formats; we can listen to the Word, study it, and speak openly about our faith at any time. In other places, however, there are people who may have never had this same opportunity.
Therefore, we should not treat access to the Word as something trivial. Every time we can open the Scriptures, hear about Christ, or share the Gospel, we receive an opportunity that also carries responsibility. The Word was made to be proclaimed, and we have been called to participate in this mission.
Our responsibility
“How, then, will they call on the one they have not believed in? And how will they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear if there is no one to preach?”
Romans 10:14 (NIV)
Paul reminds us of a simple and profound reality: someone needs to proclaim so that others can hear. The Christian faith was not meant to be hidden inside us. Christ sends us to speak, to witness, and to live in a way that other people can know the one who transformed our own story.
This can happen in many ways. Some people will be called to cross borders, learn new languages, and serve in distant places. Others will proclaim Christ within their own city, through work, family, church, the internet, or a simple conversation with a stranger. The calling can take different forms, but the center remains the same: Christ must be proclaimed.
When we find an open door, we must enter; we cannot remain silent when we have the possibility to speak. When we can share the Word, we must share it. We do not know who will be reached by what today seems small. A message sent, a Bible shared, or a conversation about Jesus can be the beginning of a story that we may never fully know, but that will transform the path of those who hear.
Knees remain on the ground
“Brothers and sisters, the desire of my heart and my prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.”
Romans 10:1 (NIV)
But what about when we cannot enter? And when a border, a law, persecution, a cultural barrier, or some other circumstance prevents the Word from advancing as we would like?
We can still pray.
The mission of the Church does not end where our hands cannot reach. When we cannot walk through a door, we can put our knees on the ground. We can intercede for those who live in places where the Gospel meets resistance, for Christians who face difficulties in remaining firm, and for people who have not yet had the opportunity to know Jesus.
Prayer is also participating in the mission. Paul, even while being a proclaimer of the Gospel, constantly asked the Church to pray that the Word would continue to advance. He wrote:
“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.”
Ephesians 6:19 (NIV)
We may never know some of the people for whom we will pray. We may never know when a door will be opened or how God will act in a certain place. But we can remain faithful to what is within our reach: to proclaim when we can, to serve when we are sent, and to pray when we cannot do anything else with our hands.
The Word of God continues to be good news for everyone. And as long as there are people who do not yet know it, our mission remains.
If we have the freedom to open the Bible, we should not waste it. If we can speak of Christ, we must do it. May Jesus not find an indifferent Church, but one on its knees.
Because when our feet cannot reach a certain place, our prayers still reach God.
by
Rapha Abreu is a journalist and cultural producer, and part of the marketing, writing and content production team at Mr. Rocco.
