“….I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6b).
What’s a paradigm? It means “the model—the basic principles or philosophy on which all actions or practices are based.” It’s like a purpose statement. For instance, several years ago, many were talking about the changing paradigm of the church—how it was now less about physical buildings and organizational structures, but more about meeting people’s needs (often through small groups or even cell churches in homes).
So how is the missions paradigm changing? Back in the day, young people committed their lives to mission service, went to Bible college, raised support, then packed up all their possessions and went to the mission field as lifetime career missionaries. Nowadays, it’s often retired persons who are packing up and going. Literally thousands of people of all ages commit to short term mission trips or projects, and, entire missions operations are often coordinated without the missionary ever permanently leaving the U.S.”
Now to our Bible verse. Some might look at this as the Old Testament’s version of the Great Commission. Through Christ, we, as Gentiles, are afforded the privilege of sharing the gospel throughout the world. We must be willing to say as Isaiah did, “Here am I, send me.”
People everywhere need the Lord. If you don’t feel you are called to go to “the regions beyond,” you are still called to be a witness as a “stay at home” missionary.
Prayerfully read the April Bible study in Together With God magazine. Allow it to speak to you as we learn together about the changing paradigm of missions. Yes, it is changing, but, the Great Commission never does. We still have the command to go into all the world and “win the lost at any cost.”
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Diana Bryant, Jan Clay and Rebecca Pugh as they create and coordinate a commemorative 75th anniversary convention program.
