Here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.
Hebrews 13:14
Christian history and tradition inform us that Andrew preached the gospel in Macedonia, Scythia and Russia. Bartholomew preached Christ in many countries, but mostly in India and Armenia. James the Son of Zebedee is believed to be the first Christian missionary to Spain. John’s travels took him throughout Asia Minor and the Island of Patmos. Thaddaeus preached in Mesopotamia and Persia. Matthew traveled to Egypt and Ethiopia. Peter evangelized throughout Pontus, Galatia, Bithynia, Cappadocia and Asia. Simon Zelotes preached in Egypt, Mauritania, Africa, Libya and Britain. Thomas ministered in India, and to the Parthians, Medes and Persians. We are told that all of these were martyred for their faith except for John, who died a natural death.
On the other hand, there are far more nameless saints who never engaged in the works of service the apostles did, but who, nonetheless, caught God’s eye because they built with gold, silver and precious stones (see 1 Cor. 3:12-13). They are God-purified, holy followers. And wherever they live and serve, they are producing quality works to the glory of Christ. Most of these dear people don’t stand behind a pulpit or sit on church boards. But their knees are calloused. Their hands are busy. Their feet are worn.
These select saints have a glow in their eye, a song on their lips, and a Presence in their hearts. They live on earth, but dwell in Heaven. They enjoy this life, but are living for the next. They go about their Father’s business in this world: loving, giving, encouraging, serving, reaching, caring, worshiping, sharing, communing, learning and growing—in the purity and power of the Spirit.
These saints have caught a glimpse of the next world and can’t be impressed with the tinsel of this one. They confess: “Here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.”
Lord, enlarge your church with more people like these!
Reprinted from . . .
Renewed by the Spirit: 365 Daily Meditations
by Ralph I. Tilley
copyright © 2016 Ralph I. Tilley
– paperback and Kindle editions available at Amazon.com –
