The director of Wycliffe Netherlands was asked this question at the celebration of their 50th anniversary. It got me thinking. What would be my answer?
It is a rather attractive idea that our work will hasten the coming of Jesus. It means we can contribute to Jesus coming back! We can go out and get it done. We can bring about the glorious moment the church has been waiting for for 2000 years! As a go-getter, as a manager, as a change agent, I can get quite excited about that idea. And even better, the concept of contributing to Jesus' return attracts people and funding like nothing else. So what would be my answer?
The theology I grew up with fits well with these concepts. I grew up with a pretty clear idea of how Daniel and Revelations needed to be interpreted. However, I have become increasingly uncomfortable with it. I have gradually shifted in my convictions. And that is rather scary to talk about. Because our theological convictions are not only very personal and dear to us, they also impact relationships deeply. Many churches have seen congregations and families broken over issues of theology. And we have become scared to even talk about what we believe, for fear of seeing relationships torn apart. For me personally that means I could lose supporters, meaning that I could lose my income. And as a leader I could lose the respect of staff in the organization. Better be careful! So what would be my answer?
The trouble is that both the bold assertion that we can work hard to hasten the return of Christ and the careful non-response to a difficult question are symptoms of the same thing. They are desperate attempts to maintain control. They are our cramped grip on the rudder of our lives. We are so bad at letting go. And in the West we have perfected that all too human tendency of ensuring that we never lose control. We do that in our personal lives by ensuring that there always is a safety net under us: medical checkups, insurance, risk avoidance. And in our our programs we also ensure that the results are all but guaranteed: good planning, efficient use of resources and careful evaluations. And all of that can be a good thing! But I realize that I am the closest to God when I am not in charge anymore, when I am out of my depth.
Do I trust God enough to let go of the honestly somewhat ridiculous notion that we can somehow determine when Jesus will return? Do I trust God enough to enthusiastically, honestly and humbly share what I am learning about Him and to allow the chips to fall where they do? Do I allow Him to use me, without desperately seeking to ensure my own position is safe? Do I trust God enough to let go of the safety net? What would be my answer?
My answer needs to be that I don’t try to make God do something, but that I allow Him to take charge. God is building His kingdom and that is enough. It is not our kingdom. It is not our work. Often I have absolutely no idea what He is doing and why! I don’t even understand what is happening in my own life, let alone understand enough about what will trigger His coming back to take up His reign.
My answer needs to be that I know the Kingdom of God is coming! And His kingdom is so much more than only having a Bible translation in every language!
No, I don’t believe that Jesus will come back when we have done a Bible translation in every language.
In any case, to posit that Jesus will return once every language has a translation makes the translation - the book - more important than the people who are meant to benefit from it. Shouldn't those who receive the Gospel after hearing it in their own language have an opportunity to grow and mature in faith and Christ-likeness and bring blessing to their communities and beyond?
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts! Thanks for sharing! To give my two pence: I think Jesus will come back when the father chooses to send him back. Will that be when all bibles are translated or when all people have had a chance to repent? I don't know! But I sure look forward to see His kingdom come and Him appear in His glory!
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