Go Ye...in Troubled Times

"Go ye to all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15) 

Photo: bykst pixabay

Good morning, dear friends,

There is so much going on in the news lately that my mind is reeling from it all.  So many tragedies, so many people hurting, and so many decisions and reactions being made, that it is hard to keep up with all that is happening in our world today.

There has been senseless violence, and there have been retalliations.  There have been declarations of war, and there have been people caught in the middle.

There are those who are leaving violence, only to be met with more violence as they seek a place of refuge.

Yes, I realize this is a delicate subject, and I will tread lightly.

In this moment when many people's emotions are running the gamut from outrage to disbelief, from crushing sadness to desire for revenge, maybe it's just time to stand back and take a deep breath.

(Insert deep breath here.)

I am still learning that when I am emotionally upset, or tired, or fed-up, it is never the right time to make a decision. (In fact, my husband and children appreciate it when I don't.)  Any decision, albeit great or small, can have long range consequences. Usually, after a moment's rest, or a full night's sleep, I am able to see the big picture more clearly, so that I can seek the Lord's help and wisdom.

Today, as a flurry of decisions are being made that will affect many people's lives, many forever, it is more than time to pause, and seek God's wisdom.  And while my heart is still unsure about many of the problems the recent violence has created, I want to add another thought to our mental landscape.

As a church, we applaud missionaries who are willing to give up their physical and spiritual comforts and venture out as a result of God's call to their lives.  God's command is anchored in our hearts, as well it should be:  "Go ye to all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)

And so, we send out missionaries to difficult places, dangerous places, places that are gospel-hardened and cynical, places where people are impoverished, desperate, and take advantage of the missionary and his generosity.

It is easy to say, "You go."

What will be our reaction when God says, "Here they come?"

Syria is a "closed country" to the gospel.  To enter Syria as a missionary is an impossible task, as is the case with many Islamic states.  It is a country ravaged by war and terror and everything we as Americans try to keep at a distance, far from our borders.

What if God is allowing the present situation as an overture to an unprecedented worldwide revival that will start in our backyards and spread across the globe? What if, instead of individual missionaries spending sometimes up to 5 years in deputation to reach their needed support level to leave for their fields, God is sending the mission field to us?  To our cities?  To our schools?  To our neighborhoods?

Will we be willing to go, even if it means that our own security may be threatened, our lives inconvenienced, our schedules disrupted?

As I have been thinking about these recent events and the reactions toward them, I have been rethinking my reaction to the Great Commission.

1.  God's command was given in difficult times.  The passage in Mark that records the Great Commission was given as the disciples were still digesting the recent events that had happened in their lives.  Jesus had been crucified, raised from the dead, and many were struggling with their own concerns about the future, their own security and their role in this new ministry.  There is never going to be an "easy" time to obey God's commands.  God promises the grace we need to help us obey the calling He gives each of us: "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9) This grace is given to all who desire to live for God, for the missionary on the field, as well as those who are living in a land of relative peace.  God will give us the grace to obey, if we are willing to go.

2. God's command was given at a time when the disciple's faith was tested.  Mark 16:14, the verse preceding the Great Commission in this passage, gives a glimpse into the disciples' state: "Afterward he (Jesus) appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them, which had seen him after he was risen."  The disciples were still reeling with the news of Jesus's ressurrection, and what that would mean for their lives.  As Christians, we have been given to responsability to share the good news of God's new life with those around us.  Are we truly convinced in our hearts of the message we say we believe?  If Christ's ressurrection is as important a message as we say it is, shouldn't we be willing to share it with as many people as possible?

3.  God's command was given to all, for all.  As Christians, we acknowledge that God's commission was given to all Christians, not just missionaries and pastors.  All Christians are commanded to go, whether to our neighbors and family members, or to countries far away.  If those same people are "sent" to us, are we not called to go to them as well?  The phrase,"...into all the world..." was not given for us to decide who is worthy of receiving the good news of God's love, or not.  If God's love is for "all the world," then we need to be willing to share it with "all the world." Will it mean sacrifices, maybe hardships, maybe being taken advantage of, or even at our own personal risk?  Perhaps, but this is God's command for us to obey.

Whether or not political leaders decide to allow refugees into our country is NOT a decision over which I will have much control.

MY reaction toward the refugees, however, is my concern.

Will I allow myself to be caught up in the noise and confusion brought about by the present events in my life, or will I reach out to others with the good news that someone took the time to share with me?