The Impact of Cross-Cultural Experience (Part 2)

Sorry to delay the continued thought on this. I had finished by talking about the power of the gospel to unite different people and culture and tranform them into unique, strong, and honest communities. I believe this happens because this "good news", that Jesus died to save sinners, challenges and affirms aspects of every person and every culture. The fact that God claims that the fullest display of his power and glory is shown at the cross, what is meant to show utter shame and defeat-God restores what is broken by paying the cost himself. Since Adam's rebellion, no one is utterly evil but are marred, we all are like shattered ruins which hint towards a former glory, giving us a glimpse at what was and a peak into what will be. The power and wonder of the cross, that "God so loved that world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life", reveals God's commitment to his creation, those made in his image. That story of a covenant, a faithful passion for His people, captures us in such a way that others are drawn not to simply a system of beliefs and moral codes but drawn to feel more human, not less, more whole and complete, not disillusioned and fragile. When considering the diversity of cultures and beliefs, the gospel becomes more beautiful and meaningful, not less. We all have faith in something, somewhere to find worth, guidance, peace, and joy. We long to be known yet fear full disclosure. It is intimidating yet freeing to be welcome as humans-frail, tattered yet hopeful-in his presence. I am so glad that we did not have to earn our way to Him or go find Him but rather he came to us and defying all rationality he chose to come in such a common way that some people missed him completely. His normalcy, his humanness was as staggering as His glory. He valued relationships becoming subject to time and space for our sake. Living and learning cross-culturally has shown me the weight given by God accomodating us in such a drastic way and the joy in seeing myself and others transformed and shaped slowly as a result into the "true adam" as restored image-bearers of God.