Who Will Tell Them?

8But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” 14How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” 16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “LORD, who has believed our report?” 17So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Most christians I have talked to recall pretty fondly the aproximate time that they accepted Jesus into their hearts.  For me, it came when I was attending my last church.  I rememeber that day pretty well as it was my mentor Dennis who was the one that baptised me.  As he had for many men before me, he not only introduced me to Jesus, but to the very truth of my savior in me.  There have also been jailhouse conversions, death bed confessions and last minute acceptance of the love which Jesus has for us all.  Whatever reason one may have for seeking or being led to Jesus, there has always been someone who will guide them.  I recall watching the various Billy Graham crusades when I was younger.  My favorite part of these gatherings was the altar call near the end of the broadcast.  As the voices sang "Just as I am," thousands would come forward in acceptance of Christ Jesus.  I've often wondered, what would have happened if Billy Graham had not heard his calling to preach when he was young?  How many would gone through life without knowing Jesus but for this man of God?  Obviously, I would say that God chose reverend Graham to lead His flock back to Him the same way that he led Dennis to lead men to Christ.  Again I ask, if not these men of God, then who will lead us?  Who will tell us of the truth of Jesus?  For if indeed "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved," who is it who will tell them of our heavenly Father?  

16Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20“teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” dAmen.
Matthew 28: 16 - 20 NKJV

Many christians point to Jesus' "Great commision" which we find in Matthew 28 as evidence of the desire of Jesus that we spread His gospel to all the nations.  However, over time I believe that the intent of this passage has gotten lost in translation.  For it is interesting that one of the definitions of the word disciple in the time of Christ translates to "Follower."  Are we then to not make disciples of Christ, but followers?  Again, we call the small circle of men who surrounded Jesus His disciples, for they were His followers.  Many a sermon, program and study have been utilized by countless churches over time to preach and teach the value of discipleship based on the great commision.  However, I submit that men such as Billy Graham and Dennis have done more to create disciples and men for Christ Jesus than any church program ever will.  Did the disciples of Christ follow a program or a study?  NO, they simply shared their lives with Jesus as He traveled and taught the gospel of peace.  Again, sharing time and life experience with someone may well be much better than any discipleship program.  Which brings me to the very question I used to open this post with.  Where would millions of people be today if not for men such as Billy Graham or Dennis?  Would the truth of Christ yet be proclaimed by another?  As the scripture tells us, how shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed, and how shall they believe in Him in whom they have not heard?  The truth of Jesus has not changed, for He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  So, who will tell them?

~Scott~