With all due respect, the disciples were not very effective cross-cultural missionaries, except perhaps for Thomas who went to India. But then the Apostle Paul came along and spoke crazy things like, “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the LORD Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24) Will we do anything for Jesus? That level of passion is not often shared in our culture or any other culture. However, it is the sort of passion needed to bring good news to those that have not heard.
If we do not go to the unreached or underserved, then Romans 10:14-15 has no meaning. “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 if they are not sent? As it is written, Blessed are the feet of those that bring good news.” This thought was not original with Paul. It is a citation of Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who publishes salvation…” Is it hard? Yes. Is it convenient? No. Is it cost effective? No. But this is how blessing comes!
You say, “This is unrealistic for me.” But David notes that those that go to battle and those that serve behind the front lines share in the same reward. (1 Sam 30:24) For example, translation organizations are now using indigenous peoples to disciple others. But they need every possible discipline to get the job done.
How to be blessed? Be involved in bringing good news! See how at missionnext.org.
