Just 522 years ago, a small ship landed on an unknown island in an area where no land was thought to be. The captain of the ship, the Santa Maria, was an Italian adventurer and explorer. Setting foot on the island he called San Salvador (to this day, there is dispute as to just which island that was), Christopher Columbus claimed this new land for Spain, the country that had commissioned this venture.
Besides exploration, the main goals of any venture during this era was first for gold, silver, and any other riches that might be found. A secondary goal was the spread of Christianity throughout the world, including to any new lands that might be discovered. Columbus made three trips to the new world of New Spain. Many others followed after him. What they found was a vast landmass, heretofore unknown.
The power of Christianity and the drive to fulfill the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20, and the lust for riches, led these adventurers into uncharted waters and unmapped lands inhabited by indigenous peoples. All of this stemmed from the death of an itinerant rabbi who had died in ancient Judea long ago. And from that death and in his subsequent resurrection, his disciples spread throughout the known world of the Mediterranean basin and beyond.
But, what if. What if that movement had not spread? What if Paul had remained Saul and continued in his role as the persecutor of the people of the Way, what primitive Christianity was called? What if this movement had remained a small sect within Judaism, no more than a small group of people clustered on the fringe of the dominant religion of the area?
Well, that voyage Columbus undertook over 500 years ago likely would not have occurred. Nor would subsequent trips. You see, while riches were the supposed quest, it was the Roman Church that drove people to new discoveries and new converts to the faith. Most likely we wouldn't be here today. Imagine, what we know as the United States, for that matter, North, South, and Central America, would not exist in its current state. In fact, more than likely, this landmass might still be inhabited by the indigenous people found.
All of this is to say that as we remember Columbus, we should remember as well the many people who set out to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. We should not and cannot take for granted our heritage. It was hard won, and the sacrifices of many Christians who went before us paved the way. So when you think about Columbus this day, lift up a prayer of thanksgiving for those who had the courage to risk in order that the gospel of Jesus Christ was spread throughout the world. And that's our task as well. See you on this marvelous journey into the unknown. May God go with us.
Grace and peace,
Mike
October 12, 2014