Assigned Territory!

Well, it got VERY quiet in church when Pastor Benji was explaining that Abraham's promise of land was not figurative, but literal. I'm not sure why people weren't responding- after all, the Genesis 18 passage is crystal clear in indicating that God promised to give Abraham land. We looked at Genesis 22:17 in yesterday's blog, and the idea is there too: "Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies". Friends, it doesn't get more plain than that.

Maybe some people were upset because Pastor Benji called their bluff. Sometimes we claim to have great plans, but then there is no preparation to support the plan. How can we promise to care for five grandchildren when we are just sub-letting a room?

Maybe we get mad because we think this is a subtle way for the church to ask for more support. But, the text indicates that it was not the church who made the assignment. GOD assigned territory to Abraham, and Abraham was expected to be obedient to GOD in how that territory was managed. What do we see? Even in the state of wandering, Abraham demonstrated hospitality (see Genesis 18:1-10).

Pastor Benji shared a wonderful example. The South African pastors who visited us recently had come to General Assembly, but did not have lodging for the week after the assembly. A pastor from another church had offered to allow one of the pastors to sleep in the basement of his church. When our church found out, we asked the South African group to come to us. Each pastor and family was able to be hosted in the homes of some our our BBCN congregants. Like Abraham, our congregants stopped what they were doing and made provision for the guests who were passing through.

But, to host several guests, we have to have more than a rented bedroom. We need sufficient physical space.

Has God given you a heart to help others in need of housing? If you have the space, don't be stingy! You can be a blessing just like Abraham was!

And what about people like me who are living in a one-bedroom apartment? PRAY! Surely God would not put within you a heart to host without also providing the space to host (that means sleeping quarters, food, and maybe even time and means to take your guests to see some of the sights of New York). In the meantime, let's do what we can. Last month I invited someone over for tea. All I had was tea and crackers, but we shared that and had great conversation about the love and ministry of Jesus in our lives. I'm believing God that as we are faithful with the little we have, He will give us more.

The days of "Bronx Bethany, the singing church" really need to be over. How I pray that our reputation will shift:

Bronx Bethany, the community-serving church.
Bronx Bethany, the missionary-supporting church.
Bronx Bethany, the pastor-preparing church.

Yes, it can happen. God gives territory for His children to possess in obedience to His desires!