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“So the king sent messengers and gathered all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. The king went up to the LORD’s temple with all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the Levites-all the people from great to small. He read in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant that had been found in the LORD’s temple.”
[2 Chronicles 34:29-30 HCSB]
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Greatest to the least
One of the most moving aspects of the reforms instituted by Judah’s king Josiah is that he issues a call to all. This is an incredibly important concept often missed in modern attempts at reform – whether of church, state, or society.
Too often, Christians only get excited about our opportunities to make an impact for Christ on the supposedly “important” people. Or we smugly leave out the VIPs because we falsely assume that the underprivileged are the only ones worthy of God’s attention. Instead, wouldn’t it be great if every person knew how to relate the Lord because we share the truth with the least & the greatest?
Massive opportunity
Just consider how great is the world’s need. According to the most comprehensive research we have – from Pew [http://religionnews.com/2015/04/02/future-map-religions-reveals-world-change-christians-muslims-jews/] – the world population is expected to grow by about 35% over the next 35 years. Just because of high birth rates, Islam is expected to become as populous as Christianity by that time, each having about 1/3 of the world’s people. That represents a huge opportunity that Christians must embrace.
As you know, in much of the world it is dangerous and even illegal to change one’s religion. This is especially true in China, India, and the Muslim countries. Therefore, the Pew research cannot take into account the amazing work being done by God – bringing millions to trust Jesus in those places. But much more remains to be accomplished.
And in my country, America, the opportunities will be great. It’s one of the few places in the world where atheism is expected to rise. [By contrast, atheism is projected to drop and Christianity continue to expand rapidly in sub-Saharan Africa, which in 35 years will boast ¼ of the world population.] If we want to imitate Josiah and make a lasting impact in this new world, we must become skilled at issuing a call to all. We must nurture Christians while also engaging non-Christians.
Even closer to home, lots of new people will be moving into your neighborhood and attending your schools over the next few weeks. Whom are you bringing to church? The least and the greatest around you deserve a chance to be invited to God’s re-formation. Be sure you issue a call to all.
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