What happens when the last person no longer decides to go seems to be more of an existential question than a biblical one. It has been well-deemed the essential portion in the work of the local Church (Matthew 28:18-20, NKJV). Jesus emphasized the importance of “the going” following His baptism at the Jordan (Matthew 3:13-17). The Apostles were given a similar directive to accomplish God’s will for humanity (Acts 5:42, 8:35, 15:35, 28:31). Ultimately, this joyous endeavor should have become our platform as well in the dissemination of the Word to a lost and dying World (Acts 2:38-39). But a familiar and yet also strange mindset has infiltrated the worldwide Church. Instead of “seeking and saving” as commanded, many have turned “inward” unto “surrendering and salvaging”. Surrendering meaning, yielding to the call of the world, and promoting unhealthy spiritual constructs and non-biblical mandates of humanity (1 Timothy 1:4). Choosing each other over the One who God deemed worthy to take away our sin. God has encouraged us to complete ourselves by hearing one voice, not many. “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5b). This same Jesus, whom we crucified in our misunderstandings, now reminds us to go and uplift His name before those who have not placed Him first as Lord of their lives (Mark 16:15-16). Yet, many in the Churches of Christ have stated, “Who me?” Some have never been taught this is MY responsibility (1 Corinthians 10:33, 11:1, Ephesians 5:12, Philippians 3:17). Others have rejected this notion, in lieu of long-held traditions of “Aren’t we are paying for that?” (Matthew 14:16, Mark 8:5). Regardless in origin of thought process, the Lord of All Righteousness has not, and will not allow anyone who claims to be His child to fall to an unbiblical notion that evangelism belongs to the few, and not the masses. We are called into His provision. His passion commands us to “Go” (Big ‘G’, little ‘o’…Go, Go!!!). It has never been about numbers; it has always been about YOU and ME!
Whether next door, down the street, and take a left, driving to a subsequent settlement or town, we should be earnest in OUR GOING. What happens when the last person no longer decides to go on God’s bequest? I think time shall be no more. Our God desires every man to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Throughout the pathway of salvation found in the NT, this occurs AFTER the going (Acts 8:31). When the laborers have been exhausted, time will be no more (Matthew 9:37). Just a thought; not overtly savory, but nonetheless, not so ungrounded in the historical narrative (Genesis 6:5).
Think about these things,
Archie R. Green
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