But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?” vs. 14
Romans 10:12-15
Paul believed with all his heart in universal salvation, that there is no distinction between Jews and Gentiles, and that God’s love extends to all. But he also feared that until people believed this, they would not experience God’s love, the peace that surpasses all human understanding. As a result, he devoted his life to spreading that good news – he wanted everyone everywhere to know Jesus and hear the good news of resurrection. After Paul that same missionary spirit infected thousands of believers and they traveled to the ends of the earth with that message of grace and love. There were perhaps many who thought that by doing this they were saving people from the fires of hell, but it’s likely that most simply wanted people to know the good news of forgiveness and life and to experience God’s love and mercy. It really is a worthy calling. Jesus himself sent out disciples to bring healing and proclaim the gospel. Of course the missionary movement has had its dark side too – sometimes missionaries went as agents of colonialism and oppression. But at their best they have been, as D. T. Niles, a Ceylonese pastor put it, “One beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” Thank God for such faithful proclaimers of the Gospel!
Thought for the Day: What do missionaries do in 2023?
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