The Missionary's Commission and Preparation
By I. J. HANKINS
Go, teach, baptize,—this is still the divine commission. Go into all the world, teach all nations, baptize believers. "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." Notice the preparation of Jesus for his work. First, he knew the Scriptures and understood the prophecies for his time, and he was able to show from Moses and all the prophets that he was the Messiah. He knew "all things that should come upon him." He taught "as one having authority, and not as the scribes," being recognized as "a teacher come from God." Men of authority said, "Never man spake like this man." He silenced the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and all his opponents, and taught the truth in its purity. His perfect knowledge of nature enabled him to draw lessons of divine truth from her great storehouse, and thus simplify the gospel and bring its saving power within the reach of all classes. From the standpoint of knowledge, he was eminently qualified to be the greatest missionary of this world. Christ's life was a perfect representation of the truths he taught; so that by precept and example he was the world's only model teacher. In character he was a living epistle, "known and read of all men." His life was above reproach or just accusation. His enemies, being challenged to point out sin in him, remained silent — mute witnesses of his perfect life. With knowledge so complete, with a character so pure, and with love for humanity wholly unselfish, surely no further qualification could be needed for his special mission. Human judgment would thus decide; but Jesus understood the nature and magnitude of his work, and he knew, therefore, that the most important qualification in his preparation had not yet been obtained; namely, the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Knowing that the time had come for his special work to begin, Jesus went to John to be baptized. That baptism, typical of every true baptism, represented a genuine surrender of himself to the will and work of God. So perfect was this surrender, that the Spirit of God came upon him without measure, and the Father acknowledged him as his Son, the Saviour of the world. In this crowning act of preparation, Jesus recognized the fulfilment of prophecy: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, the opening of the prison to them that are bound; . . . to comfort all that mourn; . . . to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." Isa. 61: 1-3. The commission of Jesus embraced all that is set forth in this scripture, and his life was devoted to just that kind of work. He "went about doing good," doing always those things that pleased his Father. John 8: 29. He lived the truth, and thus became the world's only perfect example. He was man's light and life, man's savior, friend, and brother. "As he is, so are we in this world." Are we? This is the question. Many have gone forth with the gospel12 message, depending principally upon a theological training, believing that superior education would make them soul-winners. Failure in their work has demonstrated that "without Me ye can do nothing." Many young men and women are today in training in our various schools, hoping soon to "enter the work." To all such the preparation of Christ for his work is a perfect example. There is time now for only such knowledge as will aid in giving the message, and that knowledge should be thorough. The principles of truth should be woven into the life, developing in every young man and woman a character that will correctly represent the message to be proclaimed. But most important of all, whether called to service at home or abroad, there must be the complete surrender of self and of all one's capabilities to the will and work of God, and the acceptance by faith of the most essential of all preparation, the gift of the Holy Spirit. With knowledge practical for his work, with a character that will ever reflect the life of Christ, and with the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, the missionary may go and teach, and have the joy of baptizing believers into the household of faith. This is the highest calling in life, and will bring in the end an exceeding great reward.