Readiness for mission is a central theme in the Christian faith, emphasizing the preparedness and willingness of believers to spread the Gospel and fulfill the Great Commission. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and is exemplified by the early disciples and apostles who were called to share the message of Jesus Christ with the world.

Biblical Foundation

The call to readiness for mission is grounded in the words of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus commands His followers, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This directive, known as the Great Commission, serves as the foundational mandate for Christian mission work.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of readiness in his letters. In 2 Timothy 4:2, he exhorts Timothy to "preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction" . This passage highlights the necessity of being prepared at all times to share the Gospel message.

Examples of Readiness

The early church provides numerous examples of readiness for mission. The apostles, after receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, immediately began to preach the Gospel with boldness and conviction (Acts 2:1-4). Their readiness was not only a result of their personal commitment but also the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, which enabled them to overcome obstacles and persecution.

Philip the Evangelist is another example of readiness. In Acts 8:26-40, Philip is directed by an angel of the Lord to go to the desert road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza. There, he encounters an Ethiopian eunuch and, being prepared, shares the Gospel with him, leading to the eunuch's conversion and baptism.

Spiritual Preparation

Readiness for mission involves spiritual preparation, which includes prayer, study of Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself modeled this preparation, often withdrawing to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16). Believers are encouraged to follow His example, seeking God's guidance and strength for the mission ahead.

The Apostle Peter advises believers to "always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). This readiness requires a deep understanding of one's faith and the ability to articulate it clearly and confidently.

Practical Readiness

In addition to spiritual preparation, practical readiness is essential for mission work. This includes understanding the cultural context of those being reached, learning effective communication methods, and developing skills necessary for ministry. The Apostle Paul demonstrated this by becoming "all things to all people" so that he might save some (1 Corinthians 9:22).

The early church's readiness also involved a willingness to sacrifice and endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, speaks of his readiness to suffer for Christ, stating, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).

Conclusion

Readiness for mission is a vital aspect of the Christian life, requiring both spiritual and practical preparation. It is a call to be vigilant, prepared, and willing to share the Gospel at all times, following the example of Jesus and the early church. Through prayer, study, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to fulfill the Great Commission and spread the message of salvation to the ends of the earth.