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Missions is bidding the nations, sing with us. – John Piper
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5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – Romans 10:5-17
“Missions is bidding the nations, sing with us.” As a worship pastor it may not surprise you that this is one of my favorite definitions of missions. Another favorite quote by John Piper is, “missions exists because worship does not.”
When we read 1 Peter 2, we’re reminded of our identity because of Jesus as well as the method we use to live out that identity. Peter calls us a ‘royal priesthood,’ and a priest is a mediator between God and people. That means we, too, are mediators between God and the world. Peter also tells us how to go about our priestly duties when he says, “proclaim the excellency of [God].” The way we mediate is by proclaiming how wonderful God is. That is worship!
In today’s text, Paul describes carriers of the gospel as people with “beautiful feet” (Roman 10:15). But, what makes a proclaimer’s feet beautiful? Well, if the content of their message is the excellency of God and it is the feet of the worshiper that brings the message to those who have not heard it, they carry a beautiful message everywhere they walk.
Now, what words do we have for the world? The words we have for the world is that our God is good. I believe the highest form of evangelism is genuine worship. Evangelism is an invitation and recommendation for others to worship the God we’ve grown to love. And, we usually recommend the things we love. We share them with friends and family. We review them on Yelp for the world to hear. So, if you were going to review your relationship with God, what would you recommend about him? If you’re not sure, that’s fine, but reflect on what Jesus has done for you and who you would be without him. Let gratitude well up inside of you until you can proclaim the excellency of your God. Go about your day and recommend God to someone today by simply telling them one thing you love about him.[/vc_column_text][us_separator height=”25px” size=”custom”][vc_column_text]
By Aaron Bjorklund
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