God created us to live with a sense of divine mission
One of the clearest illustrations of this comes from Christopher Columbus.
In recent years, historical revisionists have cast a shadow over Columbus, portraying him as a brutal colonizer.
But this portrayal offers an incomplete and unfair record of the man.
Columbus lived in an era when brutality, slavery, and the conquering of nations were common practices.
Yet just because these abuses existed doesn’t mean he approved or promoted them.
In fact, his letters and journals tell a different story.
They reflect a man of deep faith, who saw his voyages as a mission to spread Christianity…
Bringing the blessings of the gospel to the remotest parts of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Columbus was explicit in stating his belief that “the hand of God’ was upon him…”
That his explorations should be “for the increase and glory of the Christian religion…”
And he urged that any natives they encountered should be treated with kindness…
“So that they might feel great friendship for us.”
Certainly, like any man, Columbus was imperfect and shaped by the world around him.
But we shouldn’t forget his heart’s driving force.
He was a man with a kingdom vision, who saw himself as an instrument of God.
Believing himself to be part of an unfolding plan to spread the gospel, which is essential for transforming the world.
It’s unfortunate Columbus Day now passes without much thought or attention.
The Bible reminds us we’re to remember those who have gone before us as examples of faith to follow (1 Cor. 10:11).
The life of Columbus gives us such an example.
And as we recall his story, it challenges us to reflect on our own mission…
How mission-driven are we?
How are we are bringing the gospel to our own world today?