Reflection on Addis

Just off the plane from Ethiopia and, after 36 hours of sleeplessness, and about 25 hours of lectures, I'm feeling pretty exhausted - mindful of the fact not every city is so open and welcoming to the Gospel as Addis Ababa (the reception for the Gospel was heart-warming and encouraging, in public and in private), my mind has turned to reflect on William Symington and his remarks on Christ's Mediatorial Dominion over the Nations concerning working overseas:

"When the ambassadors of Jesus visit foreign lands to disseminate the knowledge of the Gospel, however exclusive the laws and strict the prohibitions of these lands against foreign intrusion, they are not to be regarded as lawless aggressors. Jealous potentates may refuse to acknowledge the King in whose name they come; the subservient functionaries of these potentates may use all means to shut them out from their dominions: but they have a right to enter, and as faithful authorized ambassadors, have a right to negotiate with the inhabitants of all lands in behalf of their Sovereign Lord. It may be their duty to use caution, and exercise prudence, in introducing themselves into heathen kingdoms; but still they are to regard themselves as fully entitled to be heard, in the name of him by whom they are sent ...they proceed in the name of One whose authority extends over all nations, who claims all the kings of the earth as his subjects, and whose commands cannot, without rebellion, be disputed ...In consequence of this supremacy, however, they may circumnavigate the globe, may touch at every island that studs the ocean, may make a descent on every coast, may pass every boundary, may knock at the gates of every palace, may address every crowned head, may pervade the length and breadth of every kingdom, and ask admission, in name of the King of kings, for themselves and their message." Messiah the Prince - William Symington, pp.147-148.