Holding the Rope (Part 3)

We see clearly in the Bible that there is a command for some to (in the context of missions) "Go...and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:16-20). We recognize this as a clear and direct command from Jesus. We also know that not all are called to go. But what does that leave for the rest of us to do? Dr John Piper often says  "There are only three kinds of people:goers, senders, and the disobedient". When those who are not missionaries are faced with this statement they are left with a choice of sending or disobeying. When we think about this, we are faced with 3 questions:

1. Is this concept Biblical, or is John being too harsh?
2. If it is Biblical, does sending really play a role in world missions?
3. If it is Biblical, how do we (the non-goers) send our missionaries well?

By now, we have figured out that (1) we as Christians are commanded by God to either go to the nations or support those who do, and that to do otherwise would be disobedient. And (2) that supporters (we will call them rope holders) play just as crucial (if not more crucial) of a role as the missionary who is "swinging on the end of the rope". But what does faithful sending look like? What does it mean to send somebody in a manner worthy of the gospel (3 John 1:6)?

How Do We Send Well?

When we hear "support a missionary" most of our minds go right to giving money. This is the most obvious way to support a missionary, and it is also the easiest. However I would argue that it is the least important. While money is needed to do the work, there are other more powerful and practical ways. Now before I go on, let me be clear: we do need to be giving to our missionaries. If nobody gave, we would be letting go of the rope, allowing the missionary to fall to their death. So please, do not take this as me telling you not to give, but as me encouraging you to continue to give, and to also take steps to send our missionaries better.

Prayer is often the second thing that our minds go to when we hear "support a missionary". And of course, I would say that it is the MOST important way of them all. Why? Because it involves us, going to the God who spoke everything around us into being, and asking Him to work. And when God works....awesome things begin to happen. The sick are healed, the dead are raised, the blind see, the lame dance for joy and SO MUCH MORE! How can we NOT go to our great God and cry out for Him to work among the nations through our missionaries?

The last way to support our missionaries is by loving them. This can mean a lot of things. It can mean writing letters, meeting practical needs like books, meals (when they are home). It can mean a phone call or or conversation with a webcam. It can mean visiting them in the area they are working in or so much more! When we love and serve our missionaries, they will know that we love them and have not forgotten them. And they will be reminded that as long as they are down in the mine, they do not need to be worried about the rope slipping.

So now let me give you a little bit of insight into one last reason to hold the rope: You begin to become a global Christian. You begin to develop a deep love for the lost peoples of the world, and you begin to love the glory of God all the more as you see His name praised throughout the nations.

How do I know this? I've experienced it. Some very dear friends of mine (you know who you are) recently went on a short term trip to a sensitive location in the world to work among an un-reached people group. I was originally supposed to be on the team, however, God had a different plan for us as a team. God decided to work in such a way that I was unable to be there with them. And God whispered to me "You must send them". So I did. Before they left, I wrote them letters, I gave rides from place to place, and I spent time figuring out how to best love each of them. When they were there, I prayed every night, for each of them by name. And now that they have returned, the prayer continues for them as they process all that God did.

I will warn you, sending is not an easy task. It involves a lot of sleepless nights, tearful goodbyes, and moments when you wish you could see your loved ones again. However, God is good and gives you a deep joy in the midst of the difficulty. He gives you a deep love for those who are away, for the people they are serving, and for Him. As hard as it may be, it is something you will never regret.

May you hold the rope well,

Brandon