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Jan 10, 2024 18:30pm

It’s A Different World

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It’s a different world out there.

Not long ago, my mother in-law and I were talking about changes in this world and she said something that really hit me.

“At my age, it’s almost like I live in a different world.”

Look at how much the world has changed since the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s… we could go on and on. The way you do business is not the same. A sturdy handshake means nothing. Paper accounting has gone by the wayside. Simple billing isn’t simple any longer.

Even the dollar isn’t what it used to be. Finding a candy bar less than $2 is a steal these days. And let’s talk about quality. Everything is made cheap and sold to be replaced. Back in the day it was made to last.

And technology? I can’t even begin to know or tell all of the changes there. At one time, people were amazed that you could get a picture out of a box you turned on. Television was the biggest thing since sliced bread. But now… my goodness! We’re talking about artificial intelligence as a reality, people constantly connected by a handheld device or their watch, something we only dreamed of as we watched Star Trek.

And what we used to use, do, or the way we lived has to adapt to these new ways. Without compromising our beliefs and values. Without compromising the truth.

The disciples were learning this very thing.

Luke 22:35-38

“And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.”

It’s a different world out there.

Different than the last time they went out. Before, they had no need of supplies because people would receive them and care for them. But now, things had changed. The name of Jesus was dangerous for people to say or be associated with for fear of the religious leaders and Roman officials.

Jesus didn’t say it would be impossible, He just said they needed to be prepared, use common sense, and know that there will be danger. He wasn’t actually telling them to purchase a sword for battling those that came against them. It’s evident in His last line where He says the two swords are enough. Instead, He was saying they would come up against persecution. There would be troubling times and they would have to be ready for whatever was to come. As we are told in Ephesians, all believers have a sword, the Holy Word of God, the Bible.

Times had changed quickly for Jesus and the disicples, but it was all happening just as prophecy foretold. And there was still more to come. Even today.

It’s a different world out there.

As followers of Christ, we can clearly see this statement to be true. And if we’re going to reach the world with the gospel, the old ways aren’t always going to work like they used to. As technology advances, family-life changes with schedules getting busier, we have to explore new ways to reach the lost. We use the past for examples and guidance and move towards the future looking for new opportunities to make His name known. The message remains the same – Jesus saves. His Word is solid. It’s true. It never changes. But how do we share it?

Just because plowing the field with a mule was how it was always done, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t use a tractor.

It’s a different world out there. How can we reach them? How can we Share Jesus? How can we Make Disciples? How can we do this Everywhere?

At Lifeword, we’re seeking to do just that. Speaking to people in their heart language about who Jesus is, teaching them how to follow Him and then equipping them to do the same. At Lifeword, we tell the story. If you want to know how you can get involved, message me or go to Lifeword.org.

It’s a different world out there.