The MUST of Missions
“And the gospel must first be published among all nations.” -Mark 13:10
Did you know that eight out of every ten dollars held by Christians in the world is held by Christians in America? Did you also know that the average American gives less than two percent of his income to missions? A great fear of mine is that Jesus will come and we (American Christians in general) will be sitting on all of the money He intended to be used for missions.
The statement by Jesus referenced above was in connection with Jesus’ “Olivet Discourse” in which He was explaining the end of the world to the twelve. According to at least some good scholars, Jesus is saying that He won’t be returning until the gospel has been proclaimed everywhere that He wants it to be. His message must fill the earth. But don’t be mistaken. God is not binding Himself to a particular sign that requires technical fulfillment before He can come again. No, this sign seeks fulfillment before He will come again.
So the “must” of this verse was not meant for our superstitious predictive purposes as in, “Hey, I think the time will be soon because…” Instead it is meant to express the heart of God. Jesus proclaimed, “I’m not coming until the task is complete.” Do you know how I know our task of telling the gospel is not complete? Jesus isn’t here yet! So let’s keep telling. Let’s hasten the day of the Lord’s return.
Is there something you need to do to share the gospel today? Is there someone who needs to hear the message in your own circle of friends that you’re burdened for? Pray for them now. And if you’re sitting on something that the King has called for, let it go, sow your seed into the greatest cause of all - world missions!
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