"Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church.  Worship is. ... Worship, therefore, is the fuel and goal in missions"(1) writes John Piper in the opening chapter of his book Let the Nations Be Glad!  I was reminded of that thought as I listened to TWR's Branko Bjelajac on today's Footsteps talk about reaching the people of Africa through radio distribution.  "Even if we reach one person ... this counts for a new salvation.  Angels will sing!"  We learn this scenario in Luke 15:10 (NIV): "I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."  So, why exactly are the angels rejoicing?  Why are they singing?  I think it's obvious.  They are worshiping Jesus for saving another sinner.  The focus is on Him rather than the repentent sinner.  I would call it a preview of Revelation 5:11-12 (NIV):

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand.  They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.  In a loud voice they were saying:

"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise."

As Piper said, "Worship, therefore, is the fuel and goal in missions."  So, let's join the angels in worshipping our Lord Jesus for purchasing salvation for each sinner who repents.

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(Photo of TWR's Branko Bjelajac)

1. John Piper, Let the Nations Be Glad! (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1993), 11.