The Victory of Missions

"And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they shall hear My voice; and they shall become one flock with one shepherd." John 10:16

I love this verse. This verse tells me so much about the cause we have in missions. Missions is an extremely important part of the church, one that seems, by and large, neglected in today's American church. This verse doesn't just talk about missions, however. It talks about day to day evangelism.

In this verse, Jesus says that He has sheep of other folds. By this He means that He has sheep that are not of the lost house of Israel. That really means all of us. All the Gentiles. That seems to be alot of work. Look, however, what He says about the work ahead of the missions movement. It doesn't say that He will help us lead the other sheep to Him. It doesn't say He will woo people to Himself. It also doesn't say that the sheep may or may not hear His voice, and may or may not be brought unto Himself.

Jesus states unequivocally that He WILL bring His sheep. They must come! He knows His own, and His own know Him. Once those that know Him hear His voice, they feel compelled to follow! There is no room for arguing or denying the Spirit. When Jesus calls, they come.

What an encouragement for evangelism! The victory is already won for us! If they receive the gospel with gladness, then rejoice, for you have found one of His sheep. If not, then rejoice that God's electing and saving power is not wasted on goats! I urge you, in light of this awesome promise, to go out and evangelize with even more fervor, realizing that it's not about you, nor is the responsibility yours!