"Great Commission" | June 29, 2025 | Ps Joel Lowery

In a world of over 8 billion people, it's easy to feel small and insignificant. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to be part of something much bigger than ourselves – God's heart for the nations. This isn't just a passing thought or a nice suggestion; it's a command from Jesus Himself, known as the Great Commission.

Throughout scripture, we see God's heart for the world woven into every story, from Genesis to Revelation. It's not just about personal salvation or individual spiritual growth. God's plan has always been global in scope, encompassing every tribe, tongue, and nation.

Consider Abraham's call in Genesis 12:1-3: "The Lord had said to Abram, 'Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others... All the families on earth will be blessed through you.'" From the very beginning, God's blessing was meant to extend to all peoples.

This theme continues throughout the Old Testament. In Joshua 4, we see God performing miracles "so that all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord's hand is powerful." In 1 Samuel 17, David proclaims that his victory over Goliath will show "the whole world that there is a God in Israel." Even pagan kings like Darius in Daniel 6 end up proclaiming God's greatness to "people of every race and nation and language throughout the world."

Fast forward to the New Testament, and we see Jesus Himself embodying this missionary heart of God. He comes as the ultimate cross-cultural worker, bridging the gap between heaven and earth. Before ascending to heaven, He gives His followers a clear mandate in Matthew 28:19: "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."

This brings us to a sobering reality: despite two thousand years of Christian history, there are still over 3.4 billion people in the world who have never heard the gospel. The majority of these unreached people groups are concentrated in what missiologists call the "10/40 Window" – a rectangular area on the map between 10 and 40 degrees north latitude, stretching from North Africa through the Middle East and into Asia.

So what does this mean for us today? How can we be part of fulfilling the Great Commission in our generation?

First, we need to recognize that missions isn't just for a select few "super Christians." Every follower of Jesus has a role to play. The question isn't whether we should be involved in missions, but how. Here are four ways we can participate:

1. Be a Goer: Some are called to physically go to unreached areas, learning languages and cultures to share the gospel face-to-face. As Romans 10:14 asks, "How can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?"

2. Be a Sender: For every missionary on the field, there are 10-20 people supporting them financially and in prayer. Using our resources to support global missions is a vital way to participate in God's work.

3. Be a Mobilizer: These are people who inspire and equip others to get involved in missions. They might teach courses, organize short-term trips, or simply share stories that stir hearts for the nations.

4. Be a Greeter: With increasing global migration, many unreached people groups are now in our own cities. Greeters are those with a gift for hospitality, befriending internationals and sharing Christ's love in practical ways.

Additionally, we can all be involved through prayer. Resources like Operation World can help us pray strategically for different nations and people groups.

As we consider our role in God's global mission, it's important to remember that this isn't about guilt or obligation. It's an invitation to be part of the greatest story ever told – God's plan to reconcile all things to Himself through Christ. David Livingstone, the famous missionary to Africa, said it well: "If a commission by an earthly king is considered an honor, how can a commission by a heavenly king be considered a sacrifice?"

Perhaps you're reading this and feeling a stirring in your heart. Maybe missions has always excited you, and you're looking for ways to get more involved. Or maybe the idea of global missions feels overwhelming or distant from your daily life. Wherever you find yourself, take a moment to ask God to align your heart with His. Ask Him to show you your unique role in His grand narrative of redemption.

Remember, the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us today. Just as God is in the business of resurrecting dead things, He can breathe new life into our passion for His global purposes. He can take our small "yes" and multiply it for His kingdom.

As we close, let's reflect on the words of the hymn:

"The head that once was crowned with thorns
Is crowned with glory now
The Savior knelt to wash our feet
Now at His feet we bow"

This is the message we carry to the nations – a Savior who humbled Himself, died for our sins, and rose victorious over death. His name is victory, and He is still in the business of setting captives free, healing the sick, and bringing light to those in darkness.

So let us go forth – whether across the street or across the ocean – empowered by the Holy Spirit, carrying the good news of Jesus to a world in desperate need. For in the end, it's not about us. It's about seeing every tribe, tongue, and nation gathered around the throne, worshiping the Lamb who was slain. May we play our part in hastening that day.