The Why
For some the concept of missions is not the compelling vision it should be, conjuring up images of the church ‘sending out’ interesting kinds of people, that is, the kind who are not very culturally relevant here, to go to a country where no else wants to go. We ‘give them some support’ and therefore feel better about ourselves and the fact that we’ve reduced the Christian life to the almost total pursuit of our own happiness and ‘fulfillment’. For others, this word and concept is much more gripping, bringing a sense of excitement to our shallow and many times materialistic or boring existence.
However….the word “missions” is much more than either of these. It is not some sort of pathetic ‘guilt offering’, as we pretty much do our thing over here. It is also much deeper than a way to satisfy our desire for adventure, with our periodic treks to third world environments.
Missions is the reason that the Church still exists on the earth! Jesus clearly would prefer that we all join Him right now around the banquet table in that great “marriage feast of the Lamb” that is spoken of in Rev. 19:7-9. We’re still here for one reason – God is not willing that any perish (II Pet. 3:9). The apostle Peter wrote these words in the context of the Second Coming, in answer to those who would scoff at the concept of the literal return of Jesus Christ. Peter assures us He will come, but also tells us what causes the delay – this great unfinished task.
Everything else we as Christians do we can and will do at a higher level of quality than we do here on earth – fellowship, worship, and even grow in our knowledge of God. Reaching the unreached is the only thing that will no longer be our opportunity. It is the Great Task of the Church.
However….the word “missions” is much more than either of these. It is not some sort of pathetic ‘guilt offering’, as we pretty much do our thing over here. It is also much deeper than a way to satisfy our desire for adventure, with our periodic treks to third world environments.
Missions is the reason that the Church still exists on the earth! Jesus clearly would prefer that we all join Him right now around the banquet table in that great “marriage feast of the Lamb” that is spoken of in Rev. 19:7-9. We’re still here for one reason – God is not willing that any perish (II Pet. 3:9). The apostle Peter wrote these words in the context of the Second Coming, in answer to those who would scoff at the concept of the literal return of Jesus Christ. Peter assures us He will come, but also tells us what causes the delay – this great unfinished task.
Everything else we as Christians do we can and will do at a higher level of quality than we do here on earth – fellowship, worship, and even grow in our knowledge of God. Reaching the unreached is the only thing that will no longer be our opportunity. It is the Great Task of the Church.
