Daily Devotion

“To understand how the locals view outsiders, and to see what we can do for the sake of the gospel.”

Magnus Bäcklund · "Missionary Magnus Bäcklund and the East Turkestan Manuscript Case"

Scripture

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

Reflection

In the spring of 1897, Magnus Bäcklund and his fellow worker traveled a long distance from Kashgar to Khotan, wanting first to understand how the locals perceived outsiders and then to see what could be done for the sake of the gospel. He diligently studied the Uyghur language, and within just four months in Kashgar, he was able to discuss spiritual matters with the locals in their native tongue. This reflects Paul's heart to "become all things to all people": not waiting for others to accommodate us, but laying aside ourselves to step into their world. Today, am I willing to first listen to and understand the "outsiders" around me?