Missional Monday-The Nations Have Always Been God's Heart

It is healthy to periodically take a step back and look at scripture in the bigger picture, to see the themes that emerge from the greater biblical story. In terms of understanding the Mission of God this can be particularly helpful.

Consider God's heart for the nations for example. Even the quickest survey of the biblical story reveals God's heart for the nations as early as the call of Abraham in Genesis to be a blessing to all peoples (12:3). It is also clear as late as Revelation 5:9 which speaks of the redeemed from every tribe, language, people and nation. In between those two points we get the commission from Jesus to Go and make disciples of every nation (Mt 28:19). Again we see God's heart for the nations along with the specifics of what the church should be aiming to do which is make disciples.

A survey of the greater biblical story reveals that missions is not just simply something we tag onto the programs of our church. Rather, the mission of God is an overarching theme running through the biblical narrative from beginning to end. It should thus be a foundational part of the church's self understanding and engagement with the world. We must reflect God's heart and God's heart is for the nations.