Faith Foundations: Living for What Matters MostUddrag

The Story of God’s People

For the first 15 years of my Christian journey, the concept of ‘missions’ was something I associated with others. I appreciated the work these people were doing, but I didn’t see myself in that role. But my perspective changed radically in two defining moments that reshaped my life’s course and revealed an overarching narrative in God’s Word.

The first big aha moment happened during a small group Bible study when a guy unveiled to me for the first time the interconnected story woven through all the books of the Bible. He showed me how, right from the start, God calls his people to be a blessing to all nations (Genesis 12:1–3), and how this theme repeats throughout the Old Testament. God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt showcases his power for the sake of making his name known among all nations (Psalm 106:8). Even Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (in the book of Daniel) experience miraculous deliverance in order to lead foreign kings to acknowledge the God of Israel, for his glory among all peoples. Story after Old Testament story reinforces this recurring idea: God’s glory is to be displayed to all nations through his people. Prophets like Ezekiel reiterate that God blesses his people not merely for their sake but for the proclamation of his holiness among the nations (Ezekiel 36:22–23). The narrative seamlessly transitions into the New Testament, where Jesus commissions his disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). The gospel’s universal invitation is extended to everyone, everywhere (Luke 24:46–47).

As I grasped this thread of the biblical story, the realization hit me that I was counted among God’s people in the Bible. My life, like theirs, was blessed for the purpose of spreading God’s glory to all peoples. For the first time, I contemplated missionary work. However, a pivotal breakfast with Jerry Rankin, the president of an international missions organization, challenged my perspective. It was the second big aha moment. Instead of encouraging me to become a missionary, Jerry emphasized the need for leaders in the church in reached areas (green zones) to mobilize efforts in unreached areas (red zones).

I was pretty confused initially, because Jerry had introduced me to a category that didn’t exist in my mind – a person passionate about God’s global glory but not a traditional missionary. The concept began to recalibrate my understanding of what it means to be a Christian and I realized that passion for spreading God’s glory among all nations isn’t exclusive to missionaries; it’s inherent in every follower of Jesus. Sadly, we’ve turned this fundamental purpose into an optional program for a select few in the church.

Again, the story of God’s people, from creation to Revelation, illustrates that spreading God’s glory among all nations is not an optional extra but the main purpose for which we’re made. Every Christian is called to enthusiastically devote their lives to enjoying God’s glory and exalting him among all nations. In light of this, consider asking: what would it look like for a group of people to collectively devote their lives to enjoying God’s glory and exalting him among all nations? What would they do when gathered together? What would they do when scattered apart? In what ways could they work together to make disciples of all nations that would not be possible alone? And where might I fit into all this?