Scripture tells us that God cares about all nations and wants to reach people from each one of them. We hear about conflicts between nations around the globe, but Scripture tells us this is not God’s plan. As American Christians, we might see our nation as superior to all others. However, the books of Acts and Revelation show us that all nations are important in God’s plan for Shalom now and in eternity. We also see that It’s only through the power of the Holy Spirit that people from every nation can be reached with the gospel.
In the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit enables Jesus’ followers to communicate with “Jews from every nation under heaven”:
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Acts 2:4-6
Jesus came as a man to make His message intelligible to humans, so it follows that His disciples would be capable of communicating with people from every background. While we can dismiss some nationalities as less important, every soul from every nation counts equally in God’s eyes. Revelation tells us that people from all nations will be represented in heaven:
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. Revelation 7:9
I find it interesting that the apostle John sees people “from every nation, tribe, people and language” — the languages and cultures of those who have loved God aren’t wiped away in eternity. While our souls are the essential core of who people are, souls aren’t seen separate from the identities they had on earth. It’s also interesting that John also describes the nations bringing their splendor into eternity:
…. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. Revelation 21:23-24
It is important that God values the languages and cultures being created here on earth. Are languages and cultures of nations not just surface characteristics, but important creations? I’ve noticed, for example, that I can express ideas in French that I can’t express in English. Another way to think of this would be to think about the work of visual artists, poets, or musicians – each one having a different way of showing us aspects of the same world. Could it be that God values the different ways that individuals from a variety of nations show His creation reflected in how they relate to others?
Finally, John tells us that while nations are recognizable in eternity, God is preeminent among all the nations:
And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.” Revelation 7:10The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Revelation 21:23
Application: I love that South Fellowship supports outreach to people from a variety of nations, both here and abroad. As individuals we can prioritize reaching out to those from other nations by learning more about other cultures and languages. Not only can others benefit from our efforts and love, but we’ll also be enriched.. Currently, I’m working on learning Spanish because my job puts me in contact with many Latino families. I’m feeling a sense of accomplishment, and the children and parents I work with appreciate my efforts. I’m discovering a whole new world to explore, right here in Colorado!
In everything, let’s remember that it’s only through the Holy Spirit’s leading that we can keep our love for God at the forefront to help us love people from every nation deeply.
by Sherry Sommer
