10-4?

John 1:1-2, 11-14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) He was in the beginning with God. (11) He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. (12) But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, (13) who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (14) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

In law enforcement, there is a specific code used to make sure that the message communicated was received and understood: 10-4. If the message is not understood, then it is of little to no value. The same can be said of the gospel; i.e., if the gospel isn't understood in the way it is communicated, then it is of little to no value. We see in this passage how God overcame this obstacle of understanding.

When God decided to redeem fallen man, He sent someone to communicate this message of redemption: Himself. In other words, He didn't leave that message to be communicated and possibly distorted by someone else. Instead, He came Himself. In ministering to any people group, anywhere in the world, it is of utmost importance to communicate the gospel in the heart language of the people you desire to minister to. The heart language of a person is the language that they grew up speaking. For example, in Paraguay, where we just finished our first missionary term, their are 2 official languages: Spanish and Guarani. Even though we can do most everything in Spanish, the majority of the population grew up speaking Guarani; therefore, their heart language is Guarani. Even though they understand the Spanish, to get to their heart of hearts, you need to use Guarani. Here's the question: How will they understand if no one goes to tell them? Read Romans 10:13-15.

So how did God do this? He lived AMONG us! He, in a manner of speaking, was the first missionary. He came to a culture He didn't know (because what fellowship does Light have with darkness?) and lived among us to show us the way and make sure the message was understood. As Phillipians 2:4-8, vividly portrays, Jesus WILLINGLY came to live in this sinful world just to save us. Are you willing to follow Christ WHEREVER He tells you? It may only be to go on a F.A.I.T.H. visit or it may be around the world...but the question is are you willing to follow Him in radical obedience?

That is what God wants of us, to follow Him in radical obedience. However, you must expect resistance. Christ experienced resistance, as we see in John 1:10-11. So if He had it, we can expect no less. However, you are not in this battle alone. It is all of our responsibilities to help by praying, giving and going. As we read in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, it is when we work together that we are our strongest.

If God is calling you to something, anything...just say, "yes". Don't worry about how, when or where...just give him your "yes", and He'll take care of the rest. May God bless you as you follow hard after Him in radical obedience!

David George