Everyone Has One

“Where then are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them come if they can save you when you are in trouble!” Jeremiah 2:28, NIV.

There are thousands of taxi drivers in the city of Bangkok; it is a competitive business. Drivers who speak good English have an edge with the tourist market. As I walked down the street towards the sky train station, a taxi driver called me over to talk. He introduced himself as Steve.

Steve learned English from an American military man who had served in Vietnam. He also had a friend from Texas who had visited him a few times around Christmas. Steve proudly displayed his large Texas belt buckle.

Picking up on the Christmas theme I asked him if he knew the story. Steve cut me off. “I know. I know all about that, but I am Buddhist. My family has always been Buddhist.” He then motioned me to come closer and said, “This is my amulet that protects me. It is very holy and very powerful. You may not see it, but every person you meet will have one of these.”

When Steve figured out that I wasn’t interested in a taxi, he quickly lost interest in the conversation. I walked away feeling very sad for Steve. He is banking his eternal destiny on a small Buddha image strung on a necklace. What made me even sadder is Steve is likely not wrong about a majority of the people in Bangkok. They are trusting in a variety of things, but none of them have the power to save them on the judgment day.

Pray that:

Steve and others like him will come to see that amulets and idols have no power to save and will turn to Jesus.

Believers will not grow weary in praying for and sharing with their friends, family and neighbors in Bangkok.

God will break down the cultural barrier so Thais realize that they can be Christian and still be Thai.

God will show His power over amulets and idols so people will give Him the glory He is due.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.