Worth the Watch

2/29/2021 

Mark 16:15 "And he said to them, 'Go into the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'"

We finished watching the six-part series Inexplicable on TBN this afternoon. The last episode was about how Christianity was brought to Oceania and Africa (which is the most Christian continent on the planet), and it was amazingly compelling. The boldness and faith of the early missionaries that brought the Gospel to those lands is so inspiring. I have always greatly respected any missionaries that leave their families, friends, and the comfort of all they know to go to a strange land and proclaim the Good News. They never know what will happen, but they certainly do not take this venture on alone, for Jesus is always with them. 

Each of the six episodes speaks of the many people who were martyred for their faith. Today, one of the experts being interviewed said something to the effect of how God has always taken something violent, sad, and bloody, and used it for a greater good, just as He did with the Cross of Christ. Throughout history, even when people make the ultimate sacrifice for their faith, God does not have their story stop at that point. Romans 8:28, "And we know that for those that love God all things work together for good, for those that are called according to His purpose." (ESV) Now we may not think of being martyred as having a connection with this victorious sounding verse, because we usually associate it with blessing. However, doesn't it still apply if the focus and purpose of the person's life is to guide others to Jesus and their legacy ultimately does so? 

I was the most challenged by what was said at the very end of the series. Steve Maina (Bishop - Anglican Diocese, New Zealand), spoke about the part we all must take to spread the love and Word of God. He said that God has given His people the gifts needed to enable us to share the Gospel. He ended with these challenging words while the light of joy radiated from his face: "All of us need to participate to see the world come to know and follow Jesus."