Local Mission Requires Global Vision

All too often the focus on local ministry because local needs engulf us daily and demand our attention. But since the very beginning of creation, God has been in the business of pushing his people out of their nests, so to speak, and sending them throughout the world. Abraham, Moses, Ezekiel, Nehemiah, and Daniel are all great examples. And these individual instances are microcosms of God’s greater plan on sending Israel to the nations.

 Furthermore, we should also include Jesus to the list of individuals sent as part of God’s mission. John 1, Philippians 2 and Hebrews 2 make clear the implications of Christ’s earthly ministry — setting aside his former context to take on flesh, humbling himself, speaking our language and sharing the sufferings of humanity.

 God sent Israel as a whole Nation and Abraham, Moses and many others in particular. Christ left his own throne to live with us. But for what purpose? So, He may bring the blessings to the nations, by bringing the good news of his kingdom to the lost and broken kingdoms of the world. We see this taught clearly from Genesis right through to Revelation (Genesis 12; Psalm 22:27-28; Isaiah 2:2; Revelation 5:9, 21), and emphasized by Christ’s own commission to his disciples transformed into apostles.  (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).

 We must conclude, then, to separate local ministry from world-wide missionary work, picking and choosing the emphasis that fits our purpose. To do so is to fundamentally alter the mission of God and set off down a road that is opposite of God’s heart as revealed in Scripture.