A Year-End Invitation to “Go”

The Lord’s words to those He called to be His apostles were an invitation: “Come, follow Me!”

The Commission As An Invitation

That’s the way I view the Great Commission. His word “Go” is also His invitation for us to participate in His sovereign Plan for the nations.

I used to run during trackmeet season. The starter's “Go” was the word we eagerly awaited. It was our release to “run the race set before us...to finish our course.”

The Lord's face is set toward the people groups who have not yet heard His name. He said, “They shall hear My voice” (John 10:16). In that He will not fail. There shall be those from every people, tribe, tongue and nation present with Him at His throne.

But, mystery of mysteries, His Plan for reaching them includes us. Think of it! The most important activity of the ages, and we are privileged to participate. He invites us to “Go” as if to say, “Come, be a participant”!

Blessed to Be A Blessing

There are many ways to “Go.” We know that but sometimes we are reluctant to come to grips with one of the most obvious. That is the abundant financial resources God has permitted those of us in the USA to accumulate.

And I am convinced that we must recognize the spiritual dimensions of those material possessions. God's work requires funding by God's people! To finish the task of reaching all peoples, we must respond to His invitation to “Go”—through our giving.

As we are coming to the season of Thanksgiving and year-end review of our “harvest,” let us realize how privileged we are. We have so much. We are, among all of the world's peoples, most blessed. We have the means by which the final frontiers can be crossed and the Lord's church planted among all peoples.

Let us pick the areas of special concern the Lord has brought to our minds and let us respond to His “Go!” As we prayerfully review the needs, we know we cannot do everything. But the Lord of the harvest gives one interest here and another there. Through us He can “send forth laborers.”

Give To Your Mission Effort

Don't overlook home staffers of missions. No army can sustain its attacks without a strong supply base. Many headquarters persons are in greater need than field workers because many givers feel only those “on the front lines” are real missionaries. Please realize that if there were no “behind the lines” people, those out on the field would have to interrupt what they are doing to count money, write receipts and prayer letters, correspond with missionary candidates and write, edit and print missionary magazines. Be challenged by Greg Livingstone’s comments on page 15 and remember the needs of the home staff of your favorite mission organization.

Speaking of your favorite mission organization, notice that we’re firmly encouraging you to give to frontier mission efforts to plant a church among every unreached people group, and we’re firmly encouraging you to send that contribution to your mission agency. Contact your denominational or faith mission organization today. Shock them by asking what their year-end needs are, and give. Give whole-heartedly. Bountifully. With all the exuberant release of a sprinter bursting toward a goal at the word “Go!”