Until All Have Heard...

From Genesis to Revelation , the Bible tells a story of a God who passionately loves all people, from every tribe, tongue, and nation. God’s heart for the nations is not a subplot in the biblical narrative—it is the main storyline. It is the unfolding plan of redemption for the whole world, and it reveals a God who is relentlessly committed to drawing all people to Himself for His glory and our good. 1. A Global Vision from the Beginning God’s mission to the nations begins not in the New Testament, but in the very first book of the Bible. When God called Abraham in Genesis 12, He made a bold and far-reaching promise: “I will make you into a great nation… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” – Genesis 12:2–3 From the beginning, God’s covenant with His people had a global purpose. Israel was chosen not as an exclusive club, but as a light to the nations—a people set apart to reflect God's character and extend His blessings to the world. 2. God’s Glory Among All Peoples God’s passion for the nations is ultimately about His glory. The Psalms are full of declarations that all the earth should worship the Lord: “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” – Psalm 96:3 “Let the nations be glad and sing for joy!” – Psalm 67:4 God desires worship from every corner of the earth. He is not a tribal god or a local deity—He is the Creator and King of all. His worth demands global praise, and His heart aches for those who have not yet heard. 3. Jesus: The Fulfillment of the Global Promise Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God's global promise. His life, death, and resurrection were not just for one nation, but for all people. “For God so loved the world…” – John 3:16 Throughout His ministry, Jesus reached out to Gentiles, healed Roman servants, spoke with Samaritans, and praised the faith of foreigners. And before ascending to heaven, He gave His disciples a clear commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations…” – Matthew 28:19 The Great Commission is not a suggestion—it is the heartbeat of God expressed through the mission of the Church.

When you feel the weight of the nations on your shoulders and the day-to-day challenges of missionary life press in, it’s easy to lose focus on what truly sustains us. Yet, one truth remains unshakable: it is only by abiding in Jesus that we, as missionaries, can thrive—spiritually, emotionally, and even practically. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit apart from the vine, we cannot accomplish eternal work apart from the One who gives life. But what does it look like to abide in Jesus daily? And how can this become the foundation of a flourishing missionary life? What Does It Mean to Abide in Jesus? At its core, abiding in Jesus means living in close, ongoing fellowship with Him. This is not just a Sunday morning experience or a quick morning devotion before you rush out the door. Abiding is a posture of the heart—a constant awareness of and dependence on Jesus for every decision, every step, and every goal. Jesus says in John 15:5 (ESV), "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." This paints a vivid picture of our relationship with Him. Without Him, we are powerless. But when we remain connected to Him, His strength, wisdom, and love flow into every aspect of our lives, enabling us to bear fruit for His kingdom. For a missionary, abiding in Jesus isn't optional—it's essential. Why Abiding Matters for Missionaries Missionary life can often feel overwhelming. From adapting to a new culture to navigating spiritual warfare and nurturing disciples, the demands are many. It’s easy to fall into the trap of relying on your own strength. However, striving to serve without abiding leads to burnout and a ministry that lacks the power of the Holy Spirit. Here’s why prioritizing abiding is crucial for missionaries: Spiritual Renewal : Time in Jesus’ presence refreshes your soul, giving strength for the work He has called you to. Guidance and Clarity : When you abide, you are better attuned to His voice, allowing Him to direct your every step. Peace Amid Challenges : Abiding fosters an unshakable peace, even when circumstances are chaotic. Fruitful Ministry : True fruit comes not from our effort but from His Spirit working through us. Missionary work is not about what you can do for God; it’s about what God can do through you when you are rooted in Him.

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