God’s way of reaching the nations is through his people. We can begin with Abraham, a man called and sent by God. Isaiah reports to us in his 66th chapter, verse 18, that God would raise some of his people and send them to the nations. The Spirit set apart Paul and Barnabas in Anitioch to go on his mission. And, of course, there is the ultimate Sent One, Jesus Christ himself. With the Great Commission of Matthew 28 Jesus said three important things:
I have all authority to send you and to bless you in your going. Surely, as you go, you will need food and shelter and other basic needs. So does everyone else you meet along the way, as it has been since the creation of the world. Do what you must do to provide these thins for yourself and those who depend on you. But what will to obey all that I have commanded you. You don’t need to look hard to know what it is you are supposed to teach, for you have been with me and learned from me. I will be with you all the way until your task is done. Imagine how this would transform the understanding of our brothers and sisters in less affluent countries as they consider their calling and role in reaching their own people.
One of the most important questions that each Christian must ask is “What is my part in God’s plan to reach the world for Jesus Christ?” A Christian Missionary stated the following in regards to why it is so important for Christians to pray for God’s answer to this important question in their lives.
There are three realities to consider to reach the world for Jesus:
1. Spiritual Reality
Of the world’s population of 7 billion people, over 3.9 billion have little to no access to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we must do all we can with all we have to give theses dear people a chance to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Our generation can complete the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.
2. Biblical Reality
Every person in this world is sinful and in need of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Since there is a heaven and a hell, people die and enter into one of those two eternities. Therefore, if we do not take the gospel message to people around the world, they will die without Christ. We must do what we can with what we have to accelerate the message of the gospel to every person in the world.
3. Personal Reality
Each of us must ask ourselves, “What will I give my life to?” Either I will use my gifts, talents, calling, and resources to gospel advancement and eternal value, or will I use all of it for myself and my gain. Which one? Therefore, it really comes back to each one of us discovering our part in God’s plan to reach the world for Christ.