To the Ends of the Earth: Reaching the Unreached — Friday
Revelation 7:9
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. (NIV)
I’ll be honest with you: I’ve never had a strong interest in international missions. I always found it wonderful and fascinating that people felt called to share the gospel in different countries, but I knew it was not something I was called to, which led to some apathy. I just didn’t care much about missions. But, while I still believe I’m not called to be a missionary overseas, the Lord used my summer of traveling to open my eyes to the importance of missions, and how I can partner with the work being done without having to physically go to the nations.
In processing our topic this week, the Lord brought my attention to the verse above, Revelation 7:9. For some context, in the book of Revelation, we read about John’s fascinating vision from the Lord, which he wrote down and shared with the early church to encourage them in a time of intense persecution. In chapter 7, there’s an incredible scene that points us to the hope of heaven, and in it, John says that he saw a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne of God. This seems to point to the fact that people of all nations, tribes, groups, and languages will have the chance to hear about Jesus. But according to the Great Commission, it’s our job to ensure that happens. As Romans 10:14 says, “...how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” While the gospel has been brought to Japan, there are still countless countries that have never heard the good news. This has convicted me to continue praying for the mission of organizations like Mustard Seed, and I encourage you to do the same.
Jay from Mustard Seed asked us to start praying for the “first great awakening” to come upon Japan. This is how we will finish our week together. As we move on from this week and you are introduced to three more wonderful organizations during our To the Ends of the Earth series, I hope that you do not stop praying for the work being done in Japan. Intercession is powerful—as 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I hope that throughout this series, we can all grow in our habit of praying for the global Church, and that we do not forget our brothers and sisters in Japan.
Friday’s Reflection
Let’s finish our week by praying for the “first great awakening” to come to Japan. Use this time to also pray about how you can support mission work in Japan. Financially, this could look like giving directly to Mustard Seed. Spiritually, this could look like continued prayer every single day for the people of Japan. Physically, this could even look like you picking up your life and moving overseas. God answers big prayers, so don’t be afraid to ask Him what He is calling you to do!