“Go and make disciples of all nations.” Matthew 28:19
Although God blesses us in many ways, being a child of God can also bring about some unpleasant times. Jesus spoke of these problems when he sent out his disciples to be missionaries. He told them that they should expect that some people might become very hateful toward them and their message. Jesus said: “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:20). Sometimes that hatred would have horrible consequences.
Jim Elliot was 29 years old when he and four other missionaries climbed aboard a small plane that would take them to the jungles of Ecuador. It had been three years since Jim started planning this trip. His hope was to share the love of Jesus with a remote tribe of natives known as the Aucas. The Aucas had a history of killing anyone caught near their camp, but Jim felt that they would be willing to listen to the gospel message.
Jim spent years telling many friendly natives about Jesus, and he had seen great success. The Aucas would be a special challenge for him. Jim’s pilot found a way to lower a bucket filled with gifts and supplies into the Auca camp. Then they used a loud speaker to assure the Aucas that they were friends who wished to help them. After several months, the Aucas placed a gift in the bucket for the missionaries. Jim felt the time had come to land the plane on the beach and try to meet the Aucas face-to-face. When they touched down, an Auca man and two women approached them. The missionaries treated them to a meal and gave them airplane rides. Jim hoped they were becoming friends. For several days there were no more contacts. Finally on day six they heard a terrifying cry come from several natives. They were being attacked by the angry tribe. Although he carried a gun, Jim hoped not to use it. Within minutes the air was filled with spears. Everyone in Jim Elliot’s party was killed. The Aucas had turned on them.
But that is not the end of the story. Less than two years later, Jim’s wife and daughter continued his mission to the Aucas. Because of their preaching, many Aucas turned to Jesus as their Savior.
Jim Elliot knew the Lord would be with them and keep them safe in the arms of Jesus even in the face of death. They believed that if they walked in his ways, and lived as his ambassadors, they would win the crown of life in heaven. Hopefully we will never face what Jim Elliott did, but that should never keep us from telling others about Jesus and sharing his love.
Dear Lord, give us the strength to be willing to tell others of your wonderful grace, mercy, and love. Use us as your mission tools that we might lead others to the salvation that you have promised to all who put their trust and faith in you. Amen.
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