I always use the word "missionary" with some feeling of reservation, since the word is a catholic term, and not a Bible term. What we know as a "missionary", someone who goes into all the world to preach the gospel and make disciples of Jesus Christ is, in the Bible, called an evangelist. And all we Christians are supposed to be evangelizing the lost. But a man who is called an "evangelist" in our circle is a sort of traveling preacher and in many cases, a Christian entertainer. And that is not a scriptural office. So, forgive me for splitting hairs. Here is a cute little poem about future evangelists.
Ten Future Missionaries
Heard Godʼs call divine
One married a worldly girl
And that left only nine
Nine anxious missionaries
They could hardly wait
Mother thought she needed one
And that left only eight
Eight perspective missionaries
To point the souls to heaven
One was busy making money
And that left only seven
Seven devoted missionaries
Their hearts on Jesus fixed
One wanted the American dream
And that left only six
Six sacrificial missionaries
Ready to give their lives
One thought himself unworthy
And that left only five
Five prayerful missionaries
Asking God for more
One decided to stay by the stuff
And that left only four
Four aspiring missionaries
Waiting to cross the sea
One became a farmer
And that left only three
Three choice missionaries
For the great task so few
One thought he was too old
And that left only two
Two steadfast missionaries
Ready the race to run
One thought to wait till his children were grown
And that left only one
One determined missionary
Thank the Lord for him
His goals are set his purpose firm
He didnʼt let the vision dim
Heʼs doing his part and the Lord is well pleased
But what of the nine
Who are living in ease,
Are you one of these? |