Mark 16:15 is one of the verses in the Bible that Christians refer to when they speak of the Great Commission. Most of contemporary Christianity has relegated the command to evangelize the world to being the church’s Great Omission. Sadly, instead of seeking opportunities to spread the Gospel message around the world, we are content to trying to keep the local ministries viable.

            The local church cannot be neglected. The saying that “the light that shines the farthest shines the brightest at home” is true. We need strong, Bible preaching and teaching centers of evangelism that are actively attempting to reach their own Jerusalem (Acts 1:8). However, we must not center all of our resources on our immediate locale. The mission of the church is to go. There will be a cost to be paid. Going will require the people of God to extend outside their comfort zones. But we need to remember that the Great Commission is a commission! The command of the Lord is not a request.

            When Jesus told the disciples to go to every creature, He was not neglecting any person on the planet. The message of John 3:16 is that God loves the world. If we are viewing the need through the eyes of our Heavenly Father, we will understand that everybody, regardless of nationality, should have the Gospel presented to them. 

            The preaching of salvation to “the regions beyond” (2 Cor. 10:16) is not to be viewed merely as the duty of the church. It is really an act of delight! Have we become so mature in Christ that we have lost the joy that comes from seeing individuals trust Christ as their Savior? Let us pray for a revival. Let us pray that God will open our eyes of understanding to see the wonderful opportunities that He has given to us. May we stop forgetting the Great Commission and start seeking to fulfill it.