READING: Psalms 74-77, Romans 15:14-33
I have friends in an international setting who are giving their lives to take the gospel to the billion+ people in their region of the world. I’m always humbled when I’m with them because they’re sacrificing much so that others will know about Jesus. One of their theme texts is Paul’s commitment to plant churches as he described it in the book of Romans: “My aim is to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named, so that I will not build on someone else’s foundation, but, as it is written, ‘Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand’” (Rom 15:20-21).
Paul had little interest in building on work that others had done; instead, he wanted to reach people and plant churches where the gospel had not yet gone. His personal sense of calling was that he might be among the first to take the gospel to peoples and places—and some would then hear and understand the gospel. It’s that same calling that drives my friends to do what they’re doing today.
I can’t imagine what it must be like to be the first person ever to tell the story of Jesus to a people who’ve never heard of Him. That work must be difficult but incredibly exhilarating at the same time!
PRAYER: “Lord, make me open to following You wherever You want me to go.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalm 78, Romans 15:16