Sunday's Exploration

Today we traveled from Izmir to the city of Pergamum, one of the seven cities of Revelation. You can read the message given to the church in Pergamum in Revelation 2:12-17. 

From there we took a scenic drive to the town of Assos.  This small sea port town has a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea.  It is from this port that Paul sailed to Jerusalem for his last time (Acts 20). 

After driving down a winding mountainous road, we arrived just as the sun was beginning to set. It was a perfect opportunity to take a leisurely stroll along the seashore and reflect upon the past few days and the importance of this particular town.  Looking across the vast sea one could imagine years ago Paul saying his final goodbyes to the fellow believers who gathered to bid him farewell.  

It was seaports small and large all along this body of water that carried the gospel to so many in those early years.  Standing on this shore and imagining Paul’s departure, I could not help but think of the price he paid to bring good news that would one day radically change my entire life.

The seaports dotted along these shores are places – most of which whose names have long ago been forgotten -- where women and men set sail and risked their lives to share the good news of Jesus.  It brings a challenge to each of us today.  Most likely we will not be world changers on the caliber of Paul.  We may not be called to leave our homes and climb aboard a ship to a faraway country.  But our lives are not without meaning and purpose.  Who knows, that act of kindness, done in Christ’s name, may have the ripple effect and may one day change a life forever.