“How, then, can people call on someone they have not believed? And how can they believe in someone they have not heard about? And how can they hear without someone preaching?”
– Romans 10:14
Recently my wife and I were awakened in the middle of the night by our youngest son who was in some sort of pain. After calling a nurse it was determined that we should bring him to the emergency room. This particular trip to the emergency room was pretty low stress. We did not expect there was anything seriously wrong, and in fact David was feeling much better by the time we arrived in the emergency room lobby. While in the waiting room that night I read a sign on the wall that said something like this; You have the right to receive services provided by this hospital whether you have insurance or not. How awful, I thought, to be in need of urgent medical attention and to be turned away at the door. Amidst all of the disagreements concerning the U.S health care system, lawmakers did agree that those who enter an emergency room with an urgent need should not be turned away due to their inability to pay.
God has made the same sort of determination in regard to our spiritual health. The Bible teaches that no one can obtain the forgiveness of sins and enter into heaven by our own merit. Without Jesus our spiritual health is pretty bleak, in fact, we could say that the situation is an emergency. But God did provide a way for us; Jesus taught that everyone who believes in him will not perish but instead will receive eternal life. When it comes to salvation there are no questions regarding insurance or one’s ability to pay for it. It is a free gift from God.
Some may not know that they can receive treatment in an emergency room. Many more are unaware of the gift of salvation that God offers through Jesus. The apostle Paul lamented about this very thing. How can people believe until they have heard of Jesus? How will they hear about Jesus unless someone tells them?
It is for this purpose that you and I are involved in missions. Many people who would otherwise come to Jesus, have not done so because they have not yet heard the good news. All who turn to Jesus will be saved, but who can turn to Jesus if they have not heard of him?
Please continue to pray that the message would be heard and received by those throughout the world have yet to hear the message. Pray that our missionaries would effectively communicate the gospel to those who are ready to hear it.