The Carpenter

As I sat in the cool shade of a West African carpentry shop, I could not help but marvel at the story I was hearing. The carpenter, a local Muslim man named Sadir, was explaining through a translator a recent dream of his. In this dream, he found himself on the bank of a raging river. Sadir told our team that, as he stood there, he somehow knew he had to cross to the other side. But it was clearly impossible due to the size and violence of the river. While he stood on the bank, a man on a white horse rode up on the other side. This stranger called out to Sadir and beckoned him to cross over. Dismayed, Sadir called back that he could not. Upon his exclamation, the man on the horse advised, “I will send someone to you, and they will explain how you can cross the river.”

As Sadir concluded his story, I became elated as I exchanged astonished looks with the others in our short-term mission team. We knew who this man was! It could only be Jesus! I sat and watched Sadir listen intently as my team’s pastor explained who the man in his dream was, and how this Jesus—a carpenter like Sadir—was calling him into a relationship with Himself. Sadir expressed a desire to learn more about Jesus, and as we concluded our time with him, we prayed that God would reveal His truth to Sadir and we promised to return with a Bible in his language. As we exited his shop, I was reminded of Matthew 24:14:

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come (ESV).

Looking back, I see this story as an incredible reminder of God’s ultimate goodness, power and love. But it also leaves me with a sobering thought. What if no one had been there to tell Sadir about the Man in his dream? And what about those who will never have a dream like this or ever have a chance to hear the Gospel? Romans 10:14-15 tells us,

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

God is revealing Himself around the world to men, women, and children in various ways, including dreams and visions. Pray that God would continue to reveal Himself to those who do not have access to the Gospel. Pray that He would send out obedient believers with hearts for the nations to go and proclaim the Good News. Pray that God would also show you ways that you can be involved in His global mission (going on short or long-term trips, giving financially, praying, etc.)

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

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Scripture is quoted from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.