Psalm 2:8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.

The Creator is speaking to the Messiah here, the Father to the Son, but there is still a principle that we, the Father’s much lesser children, need to learn. That is, our prayers should be bold and big. A song has been written that combines this verse, Isaiah 6:8, and 2 Corinthians 5:20, inspiring many people to go to foreign nations as missionaries, Christ’s ambassadors. Some people react negatively to that, saying that it it is self-centered pride that asks for nations. I don’t think so, but then I’m a missionary! I think the world might be a much better place if more people were to ask God for the nation where they are, or the company where they work, or even their own family, not as a personal trophy but for the kingdom of God. When we do that, we have to offer ourselves to God for Him to use in accomplishing that for which we are praying. That’s why the second verse of the song I just mentioned goes, “Here am I. Send me to the nations as an ambassador for You.” If we aren’t willing to be Christ’s representatives, speaking His truth in love regardless of any fears or obstacles, then such bold prayers are just words. We are to pray boldly, speak boldly, and act boldly, not for our personal benefit but so that God’s name may be acknowledged as holy and His kingdom come as His will is done, specifically by us first, for His glory and not ours.

Most people consider me a “foreign missionary” but I wonder about that designation, not only because I was born and raised here but also because I have no “sending body” to which I report. As my wife very wisely said when we were in seminary in the US, we’d rather be Lord sent than board sent! The IRS doesn’t consider me a missionary because my income has been from teaching in secular schools, rather than from “missionary work.” However, I have indeed asked the Lord for Japan, the nation of my birth, and specifically for the city of Omura. He has given us the vision of Omura again being the foremost Christian city in the nation, as it was 450 years ago. That is absurd from the human perspective, but nothing is impossible for Him. I cannot possibly make it happen in my own strength and wisdom, but I can keep myself available to Him to be used however He pleases. To this point that has meant simply being here, establishing myself as a part of society for the past 40 years. I have gained a voice that I would not have had otherwise, and I pray that my voice, and my life itself, would be fully useful to the Lord in fulfilling the vision He has given us.

Father, thank You for Your calling. Thank You for Your patience with me and for using me, in spite of myself at times. I do ask afresh for this city and this nation, that multitudes would be brought out of the traps of the devil and into Your family, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!