God's Mandate
Have you ever wondered why some people leave the comfort of their homes to serve on mission trips, sometimes in places they’ve never even heard of before? The answer lies deep within the heart of God and His purpose for humanity. It might seem radical, but it makes perfect sense when you look at God’s heart for the world. From Genesis to Revelation, we see God as a sending God, a God who calls His people to bring hope, light, and redemption to the nations.
Here’s the good news: this mission isn’t just for “super-Christians,” professional missionaries, or a select few. It’s for all of us who follow Christ. You were made in the image of God (Imago Dei) for the mission of God (Missio Dei). That means your life has incredible value, and you also have a powerful purpose to be an ambassador of God’s love wherever you are.
Throughout Scripture, God’s sending nature is unmistakable. Look at Abraham in Genesis 12:3: “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” That was never just about Abraham; it was about God’s plan to bless every nation. Or consider Isaiah 42:6, where God calls His people “a light to the nations.” God’s heart has always been global.
Jesus himself exemplified this sending nature. In Mark 3:13-14, we see Him appoint twelve disciples "to be with him and to send them out to preach." He didn't just call them to sit at His feet, but to go out and share the good news. Later, in Luke 10, Jesus sends out 72 others, telling them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Today, Jesus is calling you. He is speaking, are you listening?
See, this mission didn't end with Jesus' ascension. The early church followed the same pattern. In Acts 13, after worshipping and praying, the church in Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas on a mission. This wasn't a decision made lightly; it came after a time of worship, fasting, and prayer. They weren’t content to keep the Gospel to themselves; they had to share it.
So why do we go? Why do we send teams across the street and across the globe? Here are some practical reasons:
It’s a biblical mandate. Jesus’ final words to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 were clear: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” That commission still stands today. It wasn’t just for the twelve; it’s for every believer.
The need is real. Many places, even some we might consider “reached,” have less than 2% of the population following Christ. People everywhere are living without hope and need Jesus. Even in “reached” areas, believers often need external support to gain momentum in spreading the Gospel.
We go to serve. Yes, we may help build a well or teach English, but the greatest need we can meet is spiritual, introducing people to Jesus. Addressing physical needs is important, but the spiritual needs of those who don’t know Christ are even greater.
We go to encourage. When we show up, we stand alongside local believers who might feel alone or overwhelmed. Our presence can reignite their courage and strengthen their faith.
We grow when we go. Stepping outside your routines and experiencing new cultures will deepen your faith and stretch your worldview. Go, the harvest is plentiful.
We partner in the Gospel. As 3 John 6-8 reminds us, by supporting and sending missionaries, we become partners in their work for the Gospel. Even if you can’t go personally, your support is still vital to the mission.
Listen, missions doesn’t always mean getting on a plane. Jesus called us to be His witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). That means your Jerusalem is your own neighborhood, your workplace, your family, or wherever you find yourself.
Listen, you don’t have to cross an ocean to live on mission; you can simply cross your street.
Maybe you feel intimidated. You’re not alone. Many of us fear rejection or feel unqualified. But remember, Jesus promised the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. We don’t go in our own strength. We go in the name of Jesus. It is not by power or might, but by the Spirit. God isn’t looking for polished experts; He’s looking for worshippers who are willing and available.
There’s a huge difference between a church that simply has missionaries and a church that sends missionaries. Which do you want to be part of? A sending church sees every believer as a missionary, whether God calls you to move to Africa or talk to the person across the hall.
Today, reject the lie that says you have nothing to offer or that your faith should be kept private. Instead, let’s be bold and live out God’s adventurous mission for our lives, together. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in you and me.
So, who is God putting on your heart today? What step of faith is He asking you to take? Maybe it’s reaching out to a classmate, an old friend, giving generously to support a mission trip, or even praying, “Lord, send me!”
You were created in the image of God for the mission of God. That means you have immense value and a job to do. The harvest is ready, the workers are few, you are needed. Step into the call boldly, for His glory and for the sake of those who still need to hear the best news ever.
Jesus is calling. Will you answer the call?
Here’s the good news: this mission isn’t just for “super-Christians,” professional missionaries, or a select few. It’s for all of us who follow Christ. You were made in the image of God (Imago Dei) for the mission of God (Missio Dei). That means your life has incredible value, and you also have a powerful purpose to be an ambassador of God’s love wherever you are.
Throughout Scripture, God’s sending nature is unmistakable. Look at Abraham in Genesis 12:3: “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” That was never just about Abraham; it was about God’s plan to bless every nation. Or consider Isaiah 42:6, where God calls His people “a light to the nations.” God’s heart has always been global.
Jesus himself exemplified this sending nature. In Mark 3:13-14, we see Him appoint twelve disciples "to be with him and to send them out to preach." He didn't just call them to sit at His feet, but to go out and share the good news. Later, in Luke 10, Jesus sends out 72 others, telling them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Today, Jesus is calling you. He is speaking, are you listening?
See, this mission didn't end with Jesus' ascension. The early church followed the same pattern. In Acts 13, after worshipping and praying, the church in Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas on a mission. This wasn't a decision made lightly; it came after a time of worship, fasting, and prayer. They weren’t content to keep the Gospel to themselves; they had to share it.
So why do we go? Why do we send teams across the street and across the globe? Here are some practical reasons:
It’s a biblical mandate. Jesus’ final words to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 were clear: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” That commission still stands today. It wasn’t just for the twelve; it’s for every believer.
The need is real. Many places, even some we might consider “reached,” have less than 2% of the population following Christ. People everywhere are living without hope and need Jesus. Even in “reached” areas, believers often need external support to gain momentum in spreading the Gospel.
We go to serve. Yes, we may help build a well or teach English, but the greatest need we can meet is spiritual, introducing people to Jesus. Addressing physical needs is important, but the spiritual needs of those who don’t know Christ are even greater.
We go to encourage. When we show up, we stand alongside local believers who might feel alone or overwhelmed. Our presence can reignite their courage and strengthen their faith.
We grow when we go. Stepping outside your routines and experiencing new cultures will deepen your faith and stretch your worldview. Go, the harvest is plentiful.
We partner in the Gospel. As 3 John 6-8 reminds us, by supporting and sending missionaries, we become partners in their work for the Gospel. Even if you can’t go personally, your support is still vital to the mission.
Listen, missions doesn’t always mean getting on a plane. Jesus called us to be His witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). That means your Jerusalem is your own neighborhood, your workplace, your family, or wherever you find yourself.
Listen, you don’t have to cross an ocean to live on mission; you can simply cross your street.
- You could invite your coworker to church this week.
- You could listen to a struggling neighbor and offer to pray for them.
- You could send an encouraging note to a missionary overseas.
Maybe you feel intimidated. You’re not alone. Many of us fear rejection or feel unqualified. But remember, Jesus promised the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. We don’t go in our own strength. We go in the name of Jesus. It is not by power or might, but by the Spirit. God isn’t looking for polished experts; He’s looking for worshippers who are willing and available.
There’s a huge difference between a church that simply has missionaries and a church that sends missionaries. Which do you want to be part of? A sending church sees every believer as a missionary, whether God calls you to move to Africa or talk to the person across the hall.
Today, reject the lie that says you have nothing to offer or that your faith should be kept private. Instead, let’s be bold and live out God’s adventurous mission for our lives, together. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in you and me.
So, who is God putting on your heart today? What step of faith is He asking you to take? Maybe it’s reaching out to a classmate, an old friend, giving generously to support a mission trip, or even praying, “Lord, send me!”
You were created in the image of God for the mission of God. That means you have immense value and a job to do. The harvest is ready, the workers are few, you are needed. Step into the call boldly, for His glory and for the sake of those who still need to hear the best news ever.
Jesus is calling. Will you answer the call?
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