Far, Far Away

As a Bible College student I was introduced to the great missions hymn:
Far, far away, in heathen darkness dwelling,
Millions of souls forever may be lost;
Who, who will go, salvation’s storytelling,
Looking to Jesus, minding not the cost?

While it is true that all people are by nature sinners and are therefore “far away” from God (Ephesians 2:13), living in “the dominion of darkness” (Colossians 1:13), it is also true that millions (more correctly, billions) of people are far, far away. By “far, far, away” I do not mean that they are necessarily more sinful; I mean that they have no knowledge of Jesus, no Christian frame of reference, no knowledge at all of the Biblical narrative. In addition, they have been born into a culture where they have been indoctrinated with religious beliefs that are false. So they not only do not know the truth, they believe a lie. This makes them “far, far away.”

Just this morning I received an email from missionary friends who work among the unreached Moskona people group in a remote part of northern New Guinea. The subject line of the email read: “Please pray for the Moskona.” This is what followed:
“Andy and I just came back from visiting a family where their one year old baby died. They lost their three year old last year and now the father and the eldest child are also sick. The family say it is witchcraft related so they are not going to even try western medicine, even though Andy and I think that they may simply have malaria. Instead they carry on with traditional potions!!! Words cannot express how frustrated we feel! The mother is lying curled up holding her dead little girl and won’t move… can you blame her? I would feel like dying too. We are trusting the Lord for His intervention and HEALING.”

Your unconverted family member, neighbour or work colleague is by Biblical definition “far away,’ in “the dominion of darkness.” They need to be moved to the right, from the “dominion of darkness” into “the kingdom of the Son.” But at least they are not far, far away. They’ve heard the gospel; they have some knowledge (even if it is deficient or distorted) of the Christian message; they have been influenced by Christian culture. But what about those who are far, far away? Someone must go to them, learn their language and culture, patiently and painstakingly share the message of Jesus with them, love them sacrificially, even die for them.

As we focus on moving people who are far away to the right (toward the cross and salvation through the gospel), let’s not forget those who are far, far away. Let’s learn about them. Let’s pray for them. Let’s go on a short-term missions trip to meet some of them. Let’s give sacrificially to those who have been sent to reach them. And let’s say, “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8).

At Rosebank we are committed to be a Redemptive Influence among those who are far away AND those who are far, far away. Get on board!

Your friend and pastor,

Leigh