Embracing the Call: Becoming World Christians and the Rewards of Frontier Missions

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus makes a powerful statement that should inspire all Christians to become World Christians and dedicate themselves to the cause of Frontier Missions. He declares, "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God." (Mark 10:27) These words offer two great incentives for us to embrace the mission of spreading the gospel to the unreached corners of the world.

Firstly, Jesus assures us that every impossibility with men is possible with God. This truth should alleviate any fear or doubt we may have about our own abilities or limitations. When it comes to the conversion of hardened sinners, it is God who works and accomplishes His sovereign plan. We are mere vessels in His hands, and we can trust that He will bring about the transformation of hearts according to His perfect timing and will. This should give us great confidence and boldness as we engage in missions, knowing that the battle belongs to the Lord and He will grant us victory.

Secondly, Jesus promises that those who leave behind their earthly possessions and commit themselves to His mission will be richly rewarded. He says, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life." (Mark 10:29-30) This is a remarkable promise from our Savior. He assures us that when we give up worldly comforts and relationships for the sake of the gospel, He will provide for all our needs and bless us abundantly, both in this life and in the life to come. Not only will we experience the joy and fulfillment of serving Him, but we will also receive eternal life, which far surpasses any sacrifice we may make.

To illustrate the truth of these promises, let me share with you the story of Jim Elliot and his four missionary companions. In January 1956, these brave men ventured into the jungles of Ecuador to bring the gospel to the Waorani tribe, a group of sixty people known for their hostility towards outsiders. Tragically, all five missionaries were killed by the tribe. The world saw this as a nightmare of tragedy, but they failed to recognize the truth of Jim Elliot's credo: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Jim Elliot and his companions understood the eternal value of their mission. They were willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of bringing the light of Christ to a people in darkness. Their example reminds us that the rewards of serving God far outweigh any earthly sacrifices we may make.

When we embrace the call to become World Christians and engage in Frontier Missions, we must be prepared for persecutions and privations. Jesus Himself warns us, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10) We may face opposition, rejection, and even physical harm for the sake of the gospel. But in the midst of these hardships, we can find great joy and satisfaction in knowing that we are standing for truth and righteousness. Our sufferings become a badge of honor, a testament to our commitment to Christ and His mission. And in the end, we will be rewarded with the eternal blessings of the kingdom of heaven.

So how do we respond to Jesus' call to become World Christians? It is not a matter of mustering up courage or trying to sacrifice for the sake of sacrifice. Rather, it is about recognizing the surpassing value of knowing and serving Christ. It is about renouncing all that we have and obtaining a life that satisfies our deepest longings. It is about counting all things as rubbish compared to the privilege of standing in the service of the King of kings. Like the disciples who left their nets and followed Jesus, we are called to leave behind our old way of life and embrace a new life of purpose and meaning. We are called to take off our old self and put on the garments of God's ambassadors, representing Him to the world.

In conclusion, let us heed the words of Jesus and embrace the mission of spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. Let us trust in the power of God to accomplish the impossible and to bring about the transformation of hearts. Let us be willing to sacrifice earthly comforts and relationships for the sake of the gospel, knowing that our reward will be abundant and eternal. And let us rejoice in the midst of persecutions and hardships, knowing that we are blessed and that the kingdom of heaven is ours. May we be inspired by the example of those who have gone before us, like Jim Elliot and his companions, who gave their lives for the sake of the gospel. And may we, too, be willing to give what we cannot keep in order to gain what we cannot lose.