Wish you were here

Postcards from the family vacation sometimes come back (to those who didn't get to go), with the phrase, "Wish you were here." In our area of the country, there have been many TV ads from the Gulf coast region encouraging tourism despite the oil spill, and one ad from the State of Mississippi uses a song, "Wish you were here." When people are enjoying a good time, they do sometimes wish that other loved ones could be with them for the experience. And those left behind can't help wishing they could have gone!

From a spiritual standpoint, disciples of Jesus sometimes wish non-believing acquaintances, friends and family members were able to know the assurance, peace and joy of a saving relationship with Christ. The apostle Paul even expressed such a view once, when things looked very dark for him. He had been in prison for over two years because of his Christian beliefs and testimony, and now he stood before the Roman Governor Festus and the Jewish King Agrippa. Given the opportunity to make his "defense," Paul recounted his experience of conversion and shared the gospel of the Risen Christ. In derision, Festus accused him of being crazy. Agrippa then said, "Paul, in a short time you think you could make me a Christian?" To this Paul responded, "I would to God that not only you but all who hear me this day might become as I am -- except for these chains!" In terms of the relationship Paul had with the Lord, he wished everyone present were there.

Do we truly have such a desire for those we meet?