We Must Go or Send a Substitute

"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." – Revelation 7:9 (NIV)

In Revelation 7:9, we catch a breathtaking glimpse of what heaven will look like: a vast, beautiful multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language, all standing together before God’s throne.  This is a powerful picture of God’s heart for the world.  But if this scene were to unfold today, there would be enormous gaps in that crowd like in the image above.  Thousands of people groups would be missing - entire nations, tribes, and languages absent from the celebration.  They would be missing because they have yet to hear the name of Jesus, let alone experience His love and salvation.

According to JoshuaProject.net, there are over 7,000 unreached people groups around the world.  Many of these groups live in the 1040 Window, areas where the gospel has yet to reach.  For these communities, the gospel is entirely unknown; they have no access to the hope that transformed our lives.  People in these regions have lived and died without ever meeting someone like you or me.  That means there is still much work to be done, especially as we know the Lord’s return is near.

As Oswald J. Smith, the great missionary, challenged believers, "You must go or send a substitute."  This work is not just the responsibility of a few missionaries but a call to the whole Church.  Each of us is responsible for answering this call by going, or if you can’t go, you must send a substitute.

Here are 3 Ways You Can Go or Send a Substitute: “GPS”

1. GO: Consider the role you can play.  Perhaps God is calling you to go on a mission trip or even into full-time missions to reach the unreached.

2. PRAY: Start by praying for specific unreached people groups.  Visit resources like JoshuaProject.net to learn about groups with little or no access to the gospel.  Praying for them is powerful, especially for the workers God will send to reach them.  Share this vision with your church, friends, and family.  Often, people don’t engage in missions simply because they don’t know the extent of the need.  Inspire those around you to catch God’s heart for every nation and people.

3. SEND: If you can’t go, you can send by supporting others to go in your place, becoming your substitute.  Financially supporting missionaries and spreading awareness are crucial ways to get involved.  Help provide resources, training and encouragement to those called to go.  Many missionaries need support, and your help makes a real difference.

Imagine the day when every tribe, people and language is represented before the throne, worshipping God together.  This vision is possible, but only if we each take responsibility to either go or send a substitute to get the job done.

The call to reach the nations is urgent.  Let’s work together as the body of Christ to ensure that no one is left unreached.  The world is waiting, and it’s up to us to fulfill God’s vision for every people and every language to stand before the throne.  Today, will you go or send a substitute?