Messenger
What comes to your mind when you think of the word “missionary?” Some closely related terms might include “ambassador,” “disciple” and “messenger.” As Christians, we tend to view a person who is a missionary as one who is called by God to serve and minister in a foreign land. This may indeed be true, but, according to the Word of God, all who profess to be Christians are considered disciples of Christ and have been given a mandate to make disciples of all nations.
Following His resurrection, Jesus gave the Great Commission to His disciples on a mountain in Galilee. We read in Matthew 28:18-20:
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
Many Christians write a check monthly in support of specific missionaries serving abroad. Some Christians are also very diligent in praying for missionaries associated with their church. A handful of Christians may even venture out of their comfort zones and travel overseas to take part in a short-term mission’s trip.
Jesus gave the command for all of us to go and make disciples. He didn’t say only those who are gifted in the Word of God should go, or only those between the ages of 18-35 should go, or only those who have certain skills and abilities should go. There is no age restriction, no prerequisite for experience and no limitation to where we can go to serve Christ as His ambassadors.
If you are still breathing then you must go and be a messenger for Christ. Whether you go door to door in your neighborhood, give your time and talents at a food pantry in your county, volunteer at a Christian summer camp in your state or lend a hand following a natural disaster in the United States, you must go.
Praying for direction and wisdom where to go and how to serve is certainly the first step. However, we must step out in faith and carry the Gospel everywhere we go, seizing every opportunity we have to tell others about the awesome saving power of Jesus. Remember though, He also promises to be with us, now and for all eternity.
