And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” - Romans 10:15 (NIV)
One of the fine aspects of the early church was how it recognized the need to have a category of two people. There were senders and goers. The goers were those who remained back sending out missioners like the Apostle Paul. But Paul wherever he went had an army of supporters behind him, mostly in prayer but occasionally financial backers for his journeys.
How does your church look like! Of course not everyone in a church is marked to be a goer- then there would be no church back home. Goers need senders to account for and return to from time to time for refreshment. But a church should not only have goers - otherwise who would support the work of the missionaries.
A church with only one category of people is inward looking and not healthy. It does not follow an old and powerful Biblical custom of sending out missionaries. Every one of us in a church should think of it. Am I a sender or goer?
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray that through the Holy Spirit you help me clearly I identify the role you have called me to!
Related upcoming events
-
04/05/2024 - 05/05/2024 All day“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your good is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua, 1:9 NKJV)
Self doubt is common to any life. Sometimes it can be a result of a challenge one is about to face. After Moses had passed on, Joshua knew he was succeeding a giant to lead the people of Israel to the Promised land. When someone succeeds a great leader there is bound to be comparison, a bit of which might be unfair and disheartening. As we see in this case, the mission was yet to be completed. If anyone, Joshua wouldn’t mind some encouragement.
Joshua would receive the encouragement he needed from God. He was assured that God Himself had chosen him to succeed Moses and take on the uncompleted task. God assured Joshua through His word that He would be with him. Joshua had had enough experiences to know that God’s promise was unfailing. After Moses sent out the twelve spies to explore the land the Israelis were about to invade, he and Caleb were the only two who believed that because of faith in God they could overcome the giants they saw (Numbers 13).
Today, any of us may be facing a task no less overwhelming from our experience as Joshua faced. Perhaps we have taken on a momentous office. We could be setting on a journey of undetermined length. Maybe there is a challenge that has just risen up from nowhere and we seemed all submerged.
The words God gave Joshua, his servant, should be of encouragement to us. Just as God commanded Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed, may we walk in that confidence.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today whatever task I face, I look up to you, and hold on to the words you gave Joshua, not to be afraid or dismayed, for you are with me, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
