I’m currently five hours into two flights that will total more than 22 hours. My present environment feels still and serene—if you can say that about a massive steel tube carrying a few hundred people hurtling over the Atlantic Ocean at 550 mph.
As I type in the middle of this dark airplane cabin, most people around me are asleep. Yet, I am wide awake. I just finished watching the movie Amazing Grace. The first time I saw it was back in 2006 when it was released. I was inspired then, and I am inspired now—to the point of tears on both occasions.
The film tells the story of William Wilberforce and his lifelong struggle to end the slave trade within the British Empire. His entire life was marked by focused effort, constant battles, and extreme longsuffering. Yet, his sacrifice was worth it. Breaking the stronghold of the demonic evil of slavery required the life of Wilberforce, along with countless others whose names we’ll never know.
From Wilberforce, my mind shifts to Los Angeles, the city I just left. I had the privilege of spending time with five different pastors who serve at three churches. I first met Michael in Asia in 2007, then Milla, Alex, and Matthew after moving to LA in 2014. On Monday, I met Jeremy for the first time. Each of these servant-pastors poured out their hearts to me. Together we shared burdens, processed pain, and celebrated God’s work in their midst. Each of them is giving their life, deeply and sacrificially, for their churches and the city of Los Angeles.
In thinking of them at this moment, I am filled with gratitude.
My thoughts drift to my own pastor in Atlanta, Walter. I’ve seen firsthand the blows he’s taken and the scars he bears for the sake of our church and the city. And now, as I fly across the ocean, I think of those I’m on my way to see in Asia, both locals and expats. These brothers and sisters in Christ are giving their lives, joyfully and sacrificially, for the good of this region. They do so willingly, in a way that defies logic and is beautiful beyond description.
Once again, I am inspired.
Here, on this long flight, reflecting on Wilberforce, these pastors, and so many others, a passage of Scripture comes to mind. . . Hebrews 12:1–3:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Whether it’s Hebrews 12, William Wilberforce, the pastors I just left in LA, or the people I’ll be with in Asia this week, three principles stand out; principles that shape their convictions, their longsuffering, and their joyful sacrifice:
- They are fueled by Christ Jesus and the conviction of His earth-shattering grace as offered in the Gospel.
- They are anchored in the life-giving truth of the Bible.
- They are animated by the reality that this life is short, and we are made for the eternity that awaits us.
I see these principles clearly in Scripture and in the lives of brothers and sisters around the world.
As I reflect, I find myself both inspired and deeply grateful.
Life is hard. The world is confused and hurting. I often feel that way myself. Yet here, in this strangely peaceful plane, my prayer is simple: that I might live as a man shaped by these three principles.
Lord Jesus, may these truths be ever more evident in my life and in the lives of those around me. Amen.
(If you’d like to know more about One Bridge and the work I’ll be doing in Thailand this week, please click here.)