In his Great Commission Jesus tells us, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20a).
We often think of this verse in reference to overseas missions. But is the pandemic giving us an opportunity for a paradigm shift? In a year where complete countries are in lockdown, it seems like it would be more difficult than ever to get involved in Great Commission work. But we are still Called to Mission!
Pray.
There are so many opportunities to pray for missions. Our prayers for God’s Kingdom to come on Earth as it is in heaven, that many would receive Jesus, that the harvest and the workers would be plentiful, and that God’s name would be glorified in every tribe, tongue, and nation, are just a few ways to pray.
Mission is across the world and across the street. Let’s pray for our neighbors and neighborhoods! Maybe the Lord will lay on your heart to pray for specific countries, communities, “not-yet-believers,” missionaries, world leaders, or against persecution.
Pray alone, with partners, with groups, or your whole church. Pray for financial resources for Great Commission work, for leadership, for teamwork, for travel logistics, and for workers living through lockdowns. Pray in silence when words won’t come. Pray for the return of Jesus, for His supremacy, and for His fame and renown.
Give.
There are so many opportunities to give. Give of your resources. To specific missionaries or to organizations. To those starting new churches, working with refugees, or working with college students. To those in solidly secular first world countries and those in poor third world countries. There’s still so much work to be done, and your financial partnership is vital.
Give of your time. Now that we’re all experts in remote work, volunteer your time with administrative duties. Use your gifts as a graphic designer for a mission organization that needs it. Offer tax advice to those figuring out U.S. and foreign taxes. Offer tutoring help or music lessons to someone you might know on the mission field. Your gifts and talents are there for a reason, to be used by God to bless others. Find an opportunity and give of yourself.
Go. To those right in front of you.
Today, the frontlines of mission are right in front of each of us. As a believer, you have a perfect opportunity before you, even if you don’t feel called to “go” to the ends of the earth. We are all Called to Mission. We are all called to make disciples, to share the Good News of Jesus crucified and resurrected, to save us from sin and death, from guilt and shame. Let’s not forget how great this news was when we heard it… and how desperately billions of people need to hear it! Some of them live on your street.
That grocery store clerk, and coffee barista, and laundromat worker, and bank teller, and neighbor walking her dog, and parent watching their kid sell lemonade… The world is weary from a global pandemic. It’s time for some Good News. Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus and bring Good News. We are Called to Mission!
