CHALLENGE TO Change

Many educational programmes culminate in a graduation ceremony with pomp and exhilaration. Commencement speakers typically challenge graduates to go forward boldly into the future and use their education to create change. It is essentially a motivational charge to inspire graduates to apply the knowledge and experience that they have acquired over a period of studies to make an impact in the world.

Jesus, the Master teacher, likewise commissioned his disciples to go into the world to create change. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). Unlike the guest speakers at graduation ceremonies however, His authority is sovereign. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28:18). Jesus the teacher did not deliver motivational speeches. He was intentional. His own life exemplified humility and is indeed the proverbial blueprint for us to follow. In the account of the Scriptures, the King of kings consistently identified with the people He served, and as He revealed Himself, eyes were opened to the manifestation of God’s love. He was love personified (John 3:16) and His ultimate sacrifice paved the way for eternal life for all. But how will they know if we do not tell them?

We are all called to evangelise and the Gospel is certainly not exclusive. It is intended for all peoples, in every corner of the world, rich and poor, Jew and Gentile.

Amazingly, Jesus called only twelve disciples and replaced one who ultimately became ‘the son of perdition’ (John 17:12). Throughout the accounts of their time together, we observe the intentionality of Jesus as He disrupted the status quo by handpicking this very unlikely group of people to build His church. We cannot help but be intrigued by His unparalleled ability to spot potential and challenge it to shine. Jesus was mission-oriented. He was acutely aware that His mission was to ‘go, so the Comforter can come,’ (John 16:7 and Acts 2:3). Jesus, The Creator came as a man to empower us to ‘go’.

As Believers, we are challenged to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to ‘go’ in the direction of God’s calling on our lives.

by Pastor David Hermonstine

Undoubtedly, there are many roadblocks to fulfilling this mandate. The world system, through state-controlled mechanisms and so-called unions of nations, propagates agendas and lifestyles contrary to and often in direct opposition to the Word of God. These include:

• Laws that prohibit the Gospel and punish missionaries

• Promotion of alternative lifestyles and family life

• Promotion of inclusive belief systems, and

• Misrepresentation of the Word of God.

According to research, of the world’s 17,440 distinct people groups, an estimated 7,414 groups (or 42.5 percent), are still considered unreached by the Gospel (The Joshua Project, 2022). These numbers paint a startling picture and put the urgency to act into perspective. To continue to reach the lost, we are challenged to wholeheartedly embrace God’s Word instead of man’s ideology.

Being a change-maker requires preparation and persistence. We must first know the Word of God in order to teach or share It. And to teach or share It, we study It carefully and prayerfully meditate on It, ensuring that our faith is grounded so we can effect that positive change. The change God charges begins in our own lives, and this inward change empowers us to share the love of God.

Ultimately, the Gospel will be preached to all nations (Matthew 24:14). Wouldn’t you like to be named among the obedient ones who answered the ‘challenge to change’?