Daily Topic for July 12, 2007
Many scholars have identified this verse as part of an early Christian hymn or liturgy. This hymn is a good example of the missionary emphasis found throughout the worship of the early church: “Christ was preached among the nations.” How clearly can we see God’s missionary heart in the worship of our churches today?
Gracious Lord, give us a clearer vision of Yourself as the Missionary God. May our worship reflect Your character and concerns.
When the fathers of Tibetan brides set the date for the wedding, they are more likely to turn to superstitious traditions rather than a weather almanac. Many newlywed couples of Tibet believe that misfortune will come upon them if snow falls during their wedding ceremony or if they see an owl perching on their rooftop.
Their part of China is sometimes referred to as “the Roof of the World,” because of the high altitude. Their mountainous location has kept the Tibetans isolated for most of the 2,200 years of their existence. Thousands of these Buddhists live in their capital city of Lhasa, 14,000 feet above sea level. There are only a handful of Christians among them. There are other Christians in Lhasa, but most are from the hated Chinese, who conquered Tibet in 1950.
Though usually monogamous, some have more than one marriage partner, while in other cases, several brothers share the same wife. Although Buddhism is widely practiced in their part of China, many of their religious beliefs are based on the earlier Bon religion, which includes shamanism, the occult and black magic.
Learn more at joshuaproject.netPray that God will instill a heart of compassion in some of His family for the spiritual needs of the thousands of unreached Tibetans in Lhasa.-MC