“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:2

Some might ask, “Why send missionaries to the other side of the world when these same people have moved into our own neighbourhoods?” While the mission field has come to us, giving unprecedented opportunity to share the Gospel, much of it remains where it has always been. Thus the Holy Spirit, through the church, continues to call and send missionaries, evangelists, teachers, medical personnel, and others throughout the world to share the Gospel with those not in our neighbourhoods.

The shepherds walked but a short distance to see the Christ Child and to find others with whom they could share the good news. But the Wise Men traveled hundreds of miles, over many weeks. We know that when they found the Christ Child they worshiped Him and offered gifts. They knew this was not just an ordinary baby, nor was He just an earthly king. While we don’t know what they said or did when they returned home, we can surmise they reported on their visit and talked about the newborn king. In that way, they became the first foreign missionaries of the New Testament era.

We are called to share the Gospel with the mission field at our door. But we can also support, pray for, and encourage those whom the Holy Spirit has called to be His witnesses in lands far away.

Prayer: Bless us, Lord, as we share our faith with neighbours and bless those who have gone forth on our behalf. Amen.

My Bold Action for Today: Get names of overseas missionaries from your synodical office and send a letter of encouragement.
Rev. Dr. Edwin Lehman

Today's Bible Readings: Genesis 13-15    Matthew 5:1-26

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