“And they sang a new song:
‘You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals,
because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth.’ “
Revelation 5:9-10
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Only Jesus is worthy to take the scroll. The meaningfulness of the death of Jesus is beyond our comprehension—though we use different metaphors and symbols to try and grasp bits and pieces of it. The death of the Lamb of God continues to redeem millions of men and women, boys and girls, bringing us into fellowship in the kingdom of God. In the end, this kingdom and priesthood will represent every ethnicity, spoken tongue, society, and culture in the world.
Wheaton Bible Church is pursuing this mandate seriously, supporting mission work all around the world. The endeavor is complex and fascinating. Churches are planted. Teachers educate students from elementary to seminary and doctoral work. Youth camps and ministries are operated. Refugees are trained with marketable skills. Christian radio programs are broadcasted. At- risk children are provided safe and nurturing environments where they can learn and grow. Missionaries are prepared for cross-cultural ministry. The Bible is translated into languages for the first time. Bibles are distributed. Mental health care is offered. Technology is utilized. Sports programs provide opportunities for evangelism and discipleship. Healthcare serves the disadvantaged in the name of Jesus. Prisoners are visited and advocated for.
Those who come to Jesus in every place and people group join this kingdom. Believers are united worldwide as citizens of the kingdom of God and serve as His representatives and priests on earth. This is a gift of grace, and the only fitting response on our part is to worship our God and King.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- How does the unity in Christ amongst all believers encourage you?
- How could you become involved in missions through WBC or elsewhere?
- How can we be praying for and reaching out to a world that has arrived on our doorstep?
Church Reading Plan: Isaiah 14; 1 Peter 2