Near & Far

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8)

Missionaries have great opportunities to share the Gospel.  We often read of those ‘called by God’ that travel to remote places to speak and demonstrate the Good News.

I think at times we feel that we need to travel far so that those that ‘have not heard” can hear the message, this great life-saving discovery. Yes, “for God so loved the world that he died”; died for all sinners far and near.

So, here I am shopping.  Just walking the isles of the store.  I wasn’t in a rush so I browsed every isle, looked at every rack and then finally made it to the front of the store.

I took my two items and placed them on the counter.  The cashier takes my money, returns the change and slides the plastic bag with my stuff close to me.

My eyes dash to the bottom of the bag and I took a double glance.  

Without any hesitation I asked the cashier, “is that right?”  “Does that say John 3:16?” 

She did not have an inkling at what I was talking about.  

On the bottom of my plastic bag, the words “John 3:16” were imprinted on it.

I quickly asked her, “Is this a Christian company?”  

She shrugged her shoulders; clueless, no idea.  

So what does Liz do?  

I unfolded the Treasure; the Good News; the Gospel!

Smiling, I told her, “John 3:16 is Scripture”. 

Another shrug.

“Never heard it?”  She replies, “no.”

What?  This is not the other side of the world.  This is my backyard.

Hmm, ok Missionary Liz has about 15 seconds before the next customer comes to the register. 

“John 3:16 –for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” 

Eyes fixed on me.  It was foreign to her.

“It’s in the Bible, read it. 

Smile

Have a great day!”

See, there was no time to further discuss or talk about Jesus after all the next customer is looking at me.  Actually she too is listening, hallelujah!

My hope is that my conversation will reverberate in her mind and soul.  

I wonder if she will ask her manager, “did you know our bags have the words “John 3:16” on them? 

Do you know what that means?” 

I believe I left an imprint; the fragrance of Christ was sprinkled on her heart.

Lord, cause her heart to search. Let her heart be pricked by your Spirit.

The store is Forever 21.  I don’t know much about the store.

This I do know, if they are willing to stamp every bag and honor the Lord, then I will take every opportunity and speak of His Great Grace!

What a great experience!  I was so excited!

Are you ready?  

We never know when we will have to speak of this great treasure in jars of clay. We get the opportunity to speak of this all-surpassing power that is from God and not us. (2 Corinthians 4:7)

Oh, yes –the Savior of the World!

God bless you!~Liz