At the beginning of the movie Gladiator, the Roman army stands at the edge of the field of battle. Across that field they face the barbarian tribes of Germania who have united to repel the invading Romans. The Romans have sought the surrender of the Germans. The Germans have signaled their refusal by beheading the Roman messenger. The Romans prepare to attack the Germans. General Maximus Decimus Meridius sits astride his horse ready to lead the charge of the cavalry. Preparing his men he challenges them that with victory here they will be allowed to return to their homes. He tells them to stay close together. And then he tells them, Brothers, what we do in life echoes in eternity.
At the end of Jesus’ ministry, as He prepares to ascend to heaven, He tells His followers, go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 26:18). He tells His followers to go and make other followers who will go and make more followers. Those followers told others, who told others, until someone told us. In the process the Good News traveled across continents, oceans, and centuries of time. As a result we have received the promise of an eternity with Christ in heaven.
The commission to “make disciples of all nations” has passed to us. In the west we have much freedom to share of Jesus. But that is not the case in many other parts of the world. At Frontlines International we seek to ensure that the Good News of Jesus is available to those living in the darkest places on earth. Our strategy is to resource indigenous believers who remain in places of persecution where Jesus is not tolerated. Bibles, training and economic aid and relief are critical if our brothers and sisters in these difficult places are to reach the men and women around them.
Remember, our call is to make disciples of all nations. We must not be content just sharing with those closest to us. We must reach to those far from us and partner with them in the effort to advance the Kingdom of God, because what we do in life echoes in eternity.
