“‘God had only one Son and He made that Son a missionary.’
“Every missionary follows in the steps of the Son of God, who visited this planet two thousand years ago on a mission of redemption. He came to seek and to save and to give His life a ransom for many. Upon the completion of His mission He returned to His Father in heaven; but before He left He said to His apostles, ‘as the Father has sent me, even so I send you’ (John 20:21).”
The plan of salvation was formed in heaven before the foundation of the world. God, who sees the end from the beginning, gifted humanity with the beauty of creation, yet He reserved His most precious gift for when we were most in need. When we were wracked with guilt, broken, and filled with fear, He demonstrated His merciful lovingkindness by giving the only thing that would bring true healing and reconciliation. He gave His Son, Jesus Christ.
His plan has not changed. The world still quakes with guilt and shame. Broken people self-medicate with opioids, media, pornography and idolatry. Almost a third of the population of the planet has no idea that the Savior lived and died for their salvation. In His merciful lovingkindness, God sends His representatives who have experienced His healing grace to share His gift, His living Word.
God knows that in order for a sin-scarred, fearful person to be set free and made whole, they need to know that they are loved, making them worthy of redemption. This is why Jesus became a man. This is why He is sending you to the unreached. You who have experienced the mercy and grace of the Savior are His messengers of peace and healing.
The Incarnation was part of God’s plan before the creation of our world. The Word became flesh to bring salvation. He sends the gospel through other humans so that we can know and experience His Gift.
You only have one life. Be a missionary.
_ J. Herbert Kane, as quoted in “Expect Great Things,” Compiled by Marvin Newell, William Carey Library, Pasadena, CA, p. 137._
