READING: Psalms 51-55, Romans 10
When I first entered ministry in 1981, I must confess that I didn’t think much about those who had never heard of Jesus. I hadn’t been exposed much to missions, and I had traveled internationally only once. I loved telling the gospel story to everyone I knew, but “everyone I knew” was limited to those who lived around me in Ohio. I’m not even sure I’d ever thought about other places around the world.
Since that time, though—and primarily through the influence of former missionaries whose hearts still beat for the nations—God has broken me over the lostness of the world. Now, I can’t get away from Paul’s words that only deepen my burden for those who’ve never heard: “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” (Rom 10:12-15).
The equation is really simple, actually. People must call on the Lord for salvation, but they cannot believe in one of whom they’ve never heard. And, they can’t hear that word unless someone takes the message to them. God then not only calls us and sends us to the nations, but He also brings great joy to those who bring good news. Whether our task is to go or first to hold the ropes for those who go, it’s an incredible opportunity and privilege to be part of God’s mission.
PRAYER: “God, use me to get the gospel to people who don’t know Jesus. Make me willing to follow Your calling to the ends of the earth.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalms 56-60, Romans 11:1-32