Jesus Commands Us To Go
OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, give us a heart for missions that begins with our neighbors and travels around the world. Amen
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
REFLECT:
In the 1970’s and early 80’s there was a great Christian singer and songwriter, Keith Green. He was raised Jewish but through his spiritual journey he acknowledged Jesus Christ as the messiah. His ministry opened many hearts to evangelism and world missions. One of his mantras was “if you’re not a missionary, then you are a mission field.” Keith’s musical legacy was rooted in themes of worship, testimony, devotion, and evangelism. Unfortunately, Keith’s time here on earth was shortened by a plane crash that took him and two of his young children’s lives. He was only 28.
APPLY:
Keith Green was a man who was willing to go wherever Jesus sent him. His song lyrics challenge us to evaluate our heart when God calls. “Jesus commands us to go. It should be the exception if we stay. It's no wonder we're movin' so slow. When His children are busy at play, feelin' so called to stay…” Instead, let’s respond to God’s call as Isaiah did in Isaiah 6:8. “I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, here am I Lord. Send me!”
Green often said “Missions begins with the neighbor living on your right and travels around the world to the neighbor living on your left.” During his short life he founded Last Days Ministries and after his death his wife Melody began the Josiah & Bethany Children’s Home in Reynosa Mexico in honor of their children lost in the crash.
The limits of Keith’s ministry did not end with his death but has continued on for decades. As Keith served the needs of others during his lifetime, his music still serves to inspire believers today. For more on Keith Green, visit www.lastdaysministries.org.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, help us to take that first step of obedience to go wherever you send us. Amen
WORSHIP: