Read Acts 17:24-28

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by previous generations” (Proverbs 22:28 NLT).

In the classic 1932 horror film “The Mummy,” Boris Karloff’s portrayal of Imhotep, an ancient Egyptian priest brought back to life, captivated audiences with its eerie blend of the ancient and the modern. The film’s makeup artist, Jack Pierce, spent hours meticulously transforming Karloff into a decrepit, millennia-old creature, creating an iconic image that has endured for nearly a century.

This cinematic masterpiece, set against the backdrop of British archaeological expeditions in Egypt, unintentionally touches on a theme that resonates with our Scripture passages today: the complex interplay between ancient wisdom and modern ambition, between established boundaries and the desire to push beyond them.

In Acts 17, Paul addresses the Athenians, proclaiming a God who transcends human-made temples and boundaries. This God, Paul declares, is the source of all life and has determined the times and places for all nations. It’s a powerful reminder that while human empires may rise and fall, there is a divine order that underpins our existence.

Proverbs 22:28 warns against moving ancient boundary markers, echoing this theme of respecting established limits. In the context of “The Mummy,” we see how the archaeologists’ quest for knowledge and glory leads them to disturb an ancient tomb, unleashing forces beyond their control. This serves as a metaphor for the dangers of colonial mindsets that disregard indigenous wisdom and boundaries in pursuit of their own agendas.

The makeup process Karloff endured – hours of application followed by a painful removal – mirrors the often arduous journey of confronting and dismantling colonial attitudes. It’s a process that requires patience, discomfort, and a willingness to see beyond surface appearances to the deeper truths beneath.

As followers of Christ, we’re called to a delicate balance. We must respect the wisdom and boundaries established by those who came before us, recognizing that they often serve important purposes. At the same time, we’re called to push against boundaries that perpetuate injustice or limit the spread of God’s love. This tension represents the true frontiers of faith, where we must carefully navigate between cultural respect and the universal call of the Gospel.

The call to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ is fundamental to Christian faith, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). However, this divine mandate has often been tragically misinterpreted and misused throughout history to justify colonialism, oppression, and the exploitation of indigenous peoples.

True evangelism, as modeled by Jesus and the early apostles, involves humbly sharing God’s love and truth while respecting the dignity and agency of others. It does not involve coercion, cultural erasure, or political domination. As followers of Christ, we must critically examine our methods of sharing the Gospel to ensure they align with the loving, self-sacrificial example of Jesus rather than the oppressive patterns of colonialism.

In our efforts to fulfill the Great Commission, we must be mindful of historical injustices committed in the name of Christianity and strive to embody a faith that brings liberation, reconciliation, and respect for all cultures, as all are equally valuable in God’s eyes.

The God who “marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands” (Acts 17:26) is the same God who sent Christ to break down the dividing wall of hostility between peoples (Ephesians 2:14). Our challenge is to discern which boundaries to respect and which to transcend, always guided by love and the pursuit of justice. This discernment process represents the ongoing frontiers of faith, where we continually seek to understand and apply God’s love in an ever-changing world.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
God establishes boundaries for our flourishing, not our limitation. Wisdom lies in discerning which to honor and which to overcome in love.

PRAYER
Lord, grant us wisdom to respect Your boundaries and courage to cross those that divide us from our fellow humans. Amen.