by The Howitzer

One of the characteristics of a disciple maker is they have a world vision. Not a “worldly” vision (that might disqualify you), but a vision that is directed towards the nations. We will always be limited physically by geography- meaning that we can only be in one place at one time- but our vision doesn’t have to be. We can be giving and praying and sending laborers to the nations.

Someone turned me onto an app called Pray by Open Doors. It is geared to tell stories about believers in the persecuted church. Daily, I get these alert about something that is happening to our brothers and sisters around the world. Headlines like these:

‘It feels like our hope has been taken away’- Myanmar

‘There is no freedom of speech, no freedom of religion and very limited possibility of public church life in Libya’- Libya

‘Christians on their knees in prayer after coup’- Myanmar

‘Pastor jailed over fabricated charges’- Cuba

‘Breaking: Chibok girl rescued from Boko Haram’- Nigeria

As I sit here on World Vision Wednesday (I call it that because I am trying to spend a little time thinking about missions around the world and praying). Don’t get me wrong- I am not some big missionary type but I am aware that there is a world outside of my world and I want to be a part of bringing the Kingdom of God to those parts. Honestly, the reason I am interested is this is because God has a heart for the nations. Consider these three passages that show God’s heart for the nations from Genesis to Revelations.

1 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father’s house to the land which I will show you; 2 And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, and make your name great; And so, you shall be a blessing; 3 And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”

Genesis 12

18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28

9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

Revelations 7

Cover to cover the Scriptures tell the story of a God who is interested in the welfare of the nations. And for some strange reason He lets us be involved in taking the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Maybe you could carve out a little time on Wednesdays to think and pray for the nations. Let me know if you decide to add World Vision Wednesday to your routine. Until He returns may we be found busy about His Business.

Tim Howington. Follower of Jesus. Husband to Terri. Dad to Josh. Wanna-be writer. Bird Watcher. Novice Fly Fisherman. Discipler of Men. Some people call me the Howitzer.