THE ORIGINAL MISSION TRIP
Brenda Lineberger
Today’s Scripture: “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19, ESV
Theme: We serve globally because in every season, God wants to bring us along to where He is doing a new thing and making a way.
THE FIRST MISSIONARIES
Moses could be considered a missionary. He had a message from God, not only to the Israelites, but to Pharaoh as well. Noah had a message from God and preached to the people to repent before it was too late, but they didn’t believe him. The prophets could also be considered missionaries. They were passionate about spreading God’s promises and warnings.
Then God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son with a message of salvation — the Holy Missionary.
THE FIRST GLOBAL MISSIONARY AND SACRIFICE
It doesn’t get more global than leaving heaven and coming to earth. But this Missionary was from the Kingdom of God.
Jesus had much to do, and His time here was relatively short: to change history, demonstrate His character, introduce a new and different Way, then die for all sins — past, present, and future for all mankind—defeat death, and be resurrected. WOW!
Before Christ left the apostles, He gave them an assignment, or a commission, to go to the ends of the earth and tell the world about Him. That was no easy task! But He also made a way so that we, the Body of Christ, have a part to play.
THE CALLING, THE WAY, AND THE RIVERS OF OBEDIENCE
What if the new thing springing forth in Isaiah 43:19 is the call from the Lord to the Church and to individuals to go on mission — to deliver the Good News, plant churches, or feed the hungry? What if the calling happens to be on the other side of the world?
If God calls you, He will equip you. And what if He is calling us, as the Body of Christ, to be the way and the rivers in the desert? Our call may also be to go! It may also be financial support, prayer support, or encouragement. In whatever way we are called, if we are obedient, we all then become part of that mission and that obedience.
MISSIONARIES
We are all called as missionaries, all carrying the same Good News. We are all called to be His hands and feet — to feed and clothe the hungry and naked. It doesn’t matter if our calling is across the world, across the nation, or across the street. We are all called.
Just say “YES” and go.
Make it Personal: Are you open to saying “yes” to the calling the Lord has for you? Are you willing to be a little uncomfortable — willing to step out in faith and obedience? Can you imagine being the voice that speaks the Name of Jesus over the lost, hurting, and discouraged?
I chose this devotional because Isaiah 43:19 is the Scripture for today. I found it about five years ago, and it spoke loudly to me. I carried it with me everywhere. This verse is one of hope and promise, and it was exactly what I needed to hear. After a couple of years, the Lord showed me the way and rivers mentioned in this verse flow both ways. The one who answers the call receives as much a blessing as the one he blesses! Don’t miss that. Allow Him to use you.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for courage for all who are sensing Your call and that they would say “yes” to You, just as Jesus told the apostles to do. Help us remember that You go with us, and we need not fear. I thank You for our church, so willing to listen and obey Your command to go and tell Your story. Thank You for Your Word. “Remember the word to Your servant, Upon which You have caused me to hope” (Psalm 119:49, NKJV). Amen.
Read: Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15
Weekly Memory Verse: “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” Romans 10:14-15, ESV