When I get to heaven, I’m planning to have some “words” with Nimrod. You know Nimrod, the “mighty hunter before the Lord” in Genesis 10. One of the first centers of his kingdom was Babylon in the plains of Shinar. Back then there was only one language. But something that was good turned into something that was bad, the Tower of Babel. You know the rest…
So here we are, thousands of years later, with estimates of over 6000 languages spoken in 200 countries. This has, without a doubt, made the missionary task of “reaching the nations” a difficult one. Missionaries spend years pouring over language lessons, study notes, flash cards and recorded dialogues. Language learning can be tough, discouraging and exhausting! Thanks a lot Nimrod!
And yet, the challenge of language learning presents one of the most powerful ways to communicate God’s love. I love you so much that I took the time and paid the price because I want to communicate an incredibly important message to you in YOUR language.
Jesus’ model of incarnation set the precedent for language learning. We didn’t have to learn a heavenly language to get to know our Creator. He learned ours and then taught us His: The Language of Love.
Paul said, “Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.” 1 Cor. 14: 10-11.
The message of Christ is not a “foreign”, “western” or “white man’s” message. But unless I communicate that message in the heart language of the nation to which I am sent, I and the message will remain “foreign.” Grasping the language removes the foreignness of the message and gives people the opportunity to truly understand it’s meaning.
Christine and I are learning our fourth language. We began learning French in January, 1998 and to this day are still studying languages! It’s hard and requires a lot of persistence, tenacity and patience. It also puts us continually in a humbling and sometimes humiliating place. But the ability to share the Good News directly to the hearts of the Beninois, Togolese or Rwandese demonstrates the sincere and deep love we have in our hearts for them.
Yes, I’m going to have some words with Nimrod. Thank you Nimrod for providing us a powerful way to communicate God’s love to the nations.
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Great post Murphy! We miss you guy! We had such a great time with you! Wish you could have been in Benin with Randy, Faith and I. There are some things that we should talk about sometime. Blessings!
Querido mis amigos:
Entiendo el troble de ti aprendiendan la lenguaje. Era muy defícil a me para aprender Español porque mis oidos no funciona bien. Todos los hombres y las mujeres que hablan más de uno lenguaje son muy inteligente. Así, el señor Nimrodo añadido más inteligentir en el mundo. Sí pueden leer esta mesaje sin eprendienden uno más lenguaje, está bien. Si no, pregunta el señor Gustavo.
Vayan con Dios,
Wes
This is Marvin and I marvel at your desire, tenacity, skill and ability to speak four languages because you love. What faith and love!
Thank God for your willingness to go the extra mile for the people God loves in Rwanda! I am so blessed by your emails and updates. Things that are ‘little things’ to us are giant stepping stones for you at times yet, you keep stepping out in faith. Be encouraged that thousands are praying for you continually!
Blessings,
Mary Gomez
I feel your pain brother……I also admire so much the love in your heart for the lost. You and Christine are amazing and unique to be willing to suffer through learning 4 languages to share the sweet message of Christ with people in their heart language. May God’s VERY SPECIAL blessing be upon you and empower you!!We are holding up your hands in prayer as your struggle through the language.
Hi Murphy,
I can understand your frustration brother. Working and studying in a second language could be difficult at times. I think God has given you the intelligence and the resources to do it. Just think all what you have accomplished during all these years and the experience you are gaining in the process serving the Lord. I am sure it will be cause of great blessings for future generations. I recently heard a message about Jim Elliot. His team had to develop written signs and learn the language as well. Could you imagine?
May God bless you!
Say hi to everyone there.
Gustavo.
http://www.christianhistorytimeline.com/kids/glimpsesforkids/gfk003.ph p
http://www.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/faq/20.htm