My dear readers,

 

1. "If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus ‘tis now"

(The Urgency of Missions)

The love of Christ our Lord constrains me to write on a matter so urgent. The days are numbered and much still remains to be done for the Lord before He comes or calls. I want to speak to you about missions, about real concerns, real things that can be done by real people. We sing that beautiful hymn by William Featherton (1846 – 1873) who left us a song full of godly and challenging thoughts. Stanza two says:

I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me,

And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;

I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow:

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus ‘tis now.

 

Let me ask you a question: how much do you truly love the Saviour of Calvary, the One who hung on the cross, wearing the crown of thorns – for your redemption? To sing is easy; to truly love Him is not. Our Lord says, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). And what are His commandments? This is the test of love.

 

The last words of the One we love are the most precious and memorable. Do we treasure and remember our Lord’s last words?

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…" (Matt 28:19).

"Ye shall be witnesses unto me …" (Acts 1:8).

 

The question is: When? William Featherton finished his course at the young age of twenty-seven, leaving behind the hymn which has since encouraged, nay, provoked serious thoughtful Christians to examine themselves, how they are loving the Lord. Four times in the hymn we sing, "If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus ‘tis now." "Now" means without further delay! Think and pray! May the Holy Spirit stir you into action to go for the Master – now, before He comes!

 

2. MISSIONS means "Launch out into the deep!"

"Fear not; from henceforth ye shall catch men" (Luke 5:4, 10)

 

"Missions" is not theory or high powered degree courses in missiology, but simply the response of blood-bought and Spirit-filled souls being sent to other waiting perishing souls. Isaiah was called, cleansed, then sent. The dazzling glory of the most High revealed to him his own wretchedness and need. The Lord purified him, and equipped him for the task. Then Isaiah answered God’s call: "Here am I; send me!" (Isa 6:8).

 

"Missions" is responding to God’s call. The Lord of the harvest must call. Except He calls, no man should go.

 

The Lord called me in 1938. Thirty years later came the launching out into a missions pathway spanning over forty exciting fruitful years. "The joy of the Lord is my strength" (Neh 8:10). May this be an encouragement to some younger people: it is good to be in the Lord’s service.

 

To you who read these lines, here is a message. If you have a heart for souls, seek the Lord,and may He call you also, for the hour is late, and the time to go is NOW!

 

Now let me tell you simply what the Lord has done in my life, and the lessons which I have learnt. As said, missions is not theory, but launching out for the Lord in obedience. It was a step in faith, taking the Lord at His word, and dwelling on His unchanging promises. Today I look back with gratitude and amazement at what He has done.

 

Launching out is to go where the Lord sends, and to go willingly. Jonah has a message for those called of the Lord. "Running away from the Lord is not worth it!" Our going must be with a willing spirit, even though the pathway be narrow and the labour be tearful. Ever remember, when we cast our nets into the deep, the Lord will send the catch. Only have faith!

 

To those who go, be ready to endure hardness, as a good fisher for the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Motive in missions must ever be pure and God-honouring. The only reason for launching into missions is the salvation of souls and the glory of God. Any other consideration – material gain, "filthy lucre," "empire building," popularity and self glory, come from the evil one and must never creep unto one’s thinking.

 

Finally, hear our Lord’s call afresh: "Launch out into the deep … Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men" (Luke 5:4, 10).

LAUNCH OUT! (Luke 5:4)

1. Launch out into the deep,

O heed the Master’s call!

Launch out, Launch out, heed the Master’s call;

Give Him our best, our all!

 

2. Launch out into the deep,

O heed the Master’s call!

Let down, O let down, your nets for a draught;

Give Him your best, your all!

 

Yours faithfully in the Saviour’s Service,

Dr SH Tow, Sr Pastor