The Greatness of God as the Great Motivation for Missions
What is the ultimate motivation for missions? What is the driving force behind the proclamation of the gospel to people groups that do not yet treasure Christ?
We might respond that we are commanded to do it and not to do it would be disobedience. That would be a correct answer. We are commanded to “make disciples of all nations.” We might also answer that without the gospel of Christ millions will face the judgment of God leading to eternal separation from God in hell forever. So we need to faithfully proclaim the gospel to all peoples.
The above are all valid and worthy reasons to be involved as a church in world missions. However, the Psalmist gives the reason that we may not think about as a motivation. He writes these words, “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples! For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods” (Ps.96:4). God is great and glorious so we proclaim His greatness to the nations.
John Piper has made this observation, “Psalm 96:3-4 connects the evangelizing of the peoples with the quality of praise that God deserves…Notice the word for. The extraordinary greatness of the praise which the Lord should receive is the ground and impetus for our mission to the nations” (from Let the Nations be Glad pg.216).
We believe that a passion for God’s greatness and glory is the supreme motivation for the proclamation of the gospel to all peoples. The more that we see the greatness of God and worship Him, the greater will be our passion to do whatever is necessary to see those peoples still without Christ to come to treasure and trust Him alone.
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