Defining this past Tuesday as humbling is an understatement.
I had the privilege, and let me iterate, privilege, of seeing husband and wives, moms and dads, men and women, be commissioned to the greatest mission field with the greatest story of all time in their hands and on their hearts. Seeing everyday, ordinary people willingly give up the earthly pleasures that this side of the world has to offer, and instead go to some of the toughest and most challenging places on the planet to not only live, but also share the good news of Christ, was one of the most honoring experiences I have ever had.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with several very good friends, and cheering this group of people on as they walked out of the room brought chills down my spine. To physically see the Church sending people to the nations with such joy and gladness just screams to the glory of our Christ. The thunderous applause and even the ringing of several cow-bells as this group of people made their way out of the auditorium will forever be etched in my mind.
While this day brought much sadness as goodbyes were said, it also great joy knowing that those who were being sent will do the very thing that we preach and teach on each and every week. They have committed themselves to the advancement of the Kingdom to the ends of the earth. Through tears and sorrow, the overwhelming joy that flowed from the group was absolutely astounding. While very few echoed the words, “goodbye,” many sounded with the words of, “see you soon.” For they know and we know that one day, whenever that day may be, we will be untied with Christ and with our bothers and sisters from all over the globe, rejoicing together around the throne of God, saying those that we long to sing, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty. Who was and Is and is to come.”
Not only did we see adults being sent, but also their kids. Oh to see the faces of those kids who know they are leaving this country for another, and with the fact that they, yes, they themselves will be proclaiming the good news of Christ. To see their faces light up when you ask them where they are going. To hear the stories of the now life-long friendships that have been bound together in the proclamation of the Gospel. The excitement was overflowing from their expressions and their words. And for this guy, to see their excitement brought a great freshness to what it is that I have the privilege of doing each and every day – equipping those to go and share the Gospel. May we all have the faith of the little ones, who share the good news of Christ.
The Apostle Paul writes, “How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” (Romans 10:14-15 CSB).
The mission that has been given by Christ is one that is extremely urgent. The purpose in our lives isn’t to just live good lives and go to church, but to be the Church and be the ones in whom Christ has sent. You see, we are ALL in this together. We all play a part in the grand story of our God who wants to redeem and save the world through His Son. With over 3,000 unreached people groups of the world, we have a great mission ahead.
May we see the glory of God on display and desire to take the name to the nations just as those who were just commissioned.
Will you join with me in praying for this group of missionaries who are beginning their journeys on the field, proclaiming Christ around the globe. Pray for boldness for their witness, and also for a good transition to life on the field. Pray for much fruit from their labor. Pray for those in whom they will come to invest in and love, as they hear the good news of Jesus for the very first time. Pray for salvation of those who do not know Christ.
The harvest is ready… Will we be willing to go?
Foundations 