This mission began in earnest at Pentecost, when the Spirit came to empower the mission to reach the nations. As Luke writes, “Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And…each one was hearing them speak in his own language” (Acts 2:5-6). The Book of Acts tells the story of how the Apostles brought the gospel mission to Rome, the heart of the empire that extended to the ends of the known world. Church history tells the story of how the people of God have been bringing the gospel to the ends of the earth ever since.
Today, as we worshipped together as a global church, singing in multiple languages of the greatness of our Triune God, I was reminded of the vision John gives in Revelation 5:9-13 and 7:9-12 where people from every nation, tribe, language, and tongue are surrounding the heavenly throne of God and of the Lamb who was slain in joyous worship forevermore. It takes all of the nations of the global church to give God the manifold glory that is due his name. We’re getting a little taste of heaven this week in Seoul.
May we share in God’s heart for the nations! May we embrace Christ’s love for his multi-cultural bride! May we unite in the Spirit as the international temple of the living God!
