“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said to Him, ‘The first’” (Matt. 21:28-31).
There is a young man I know who came from a bit of a rough background. He was raised not knowing Christ, so he did not have the benefit of a childhood learning the Bible and scripture songs and absorbing Adventist culture. He met Jesus as an adult and truly committed his life to the Lord. He decided to attend the ARISE training program where he learned that Jesus is coming soon. He is convinced that the whole world needs to hear the everlasting gospel before we see our Savior.
Another young man I know came from a respectable Adventist Christian home and was blessed with an Adventist education. He and I met at several different venues, including academy, university and at various youth conferences. He repeatedly assured me that he was interested in mission service, and it was only a matter of time before he would follow through on his commitment to go and serve. His Facebook page, dominated by selfies, revealed that he had gone overseas several times, but more for pleasure than for service.
The first young man responded in love for Jesus and is now serving as a student missionary.
Sadly, the second young man is now an atheist.
What made the difference between these two paths? One young man acted out of gratitude to God and was compelled by His mercy to share with others. The other was so focused on himself that he became indifferent to the incredible lovingkindness of God.
Beloved young people, which of these do you want to be? Who will go and tell the world that their Savior has died and risen again, and that soon we will see Him face to face?
Who will do the will of the Father?
Please contact us so we can help you respond to the lovingkindness of God and go. service@afmonline.org 800.937.4236.
