And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15
What is the most widely distributed book on Planet Earth? Anyone can tell you that it is the Bible! No other book comes remotely close to the Bible in terms of being available to people everywhere in their own tongue. The Bible – or at least major portions of it – is currently available in 2527 different languages. Translators and Bible societies throughout the world have been faithful in carrying out the Great Commission contained in today’s text. Having the Bible available is critical to preaching the Gospel because faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Jesus declared of the Scriptures, ‘They are they which testify of Me’ (John 5:39). Preaching the Gospel must include testifying of the Lord Jesus.
Our text today was delivered to a scant dozen men who had gathered in fear, confusion, and disorganization. If you or I had been there and had heard this charge delivered, would we have ever imagined how it could be carried out? Could we imagine the message of God’s Salvation being spread throughout the world? Could we have foretold that the Word of God would one day be available in more than 2500 languages? Not likely. The same lack of vision is seen today when we see a Gospel series begun, a series of Children’s meetings launched, or a Seed Sowers campaign conducted. Yet, despite our failure to see where the Gospel can go, we have to confess that God can bless His word and spread His Gospel.
Did the disciples know what was going to happen? Not likely! Until this time, they had been followers and companions of the Lord Jesus, spending their days and nights in His presence, listening to His teaching, helping with His requirements for preaching, healing, and visiting. After Jesus’ crucifixion, they had discovered how powerless and disorganized they were. How could they, in all their weakness and failures, carry the Gospel throughout the world? They couldn’t, of course. Not by themselves, they couldn’t. But the Holy Spirit would soon empower them to carry out this Great Commission. He also empowers you and me to do the same.
The Lord Jesus wants the Gospel preached in all the world. That includes the part of the world that you occupy. Are you honouring His command? -Jim MacIntosh