Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: -- Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
In Antioch, a group of prophets and teachers were ministering to the Lord and fasting when the Holy Ghost spoke: "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." Two men were named. The rest of that group stayed in Antioch. Luke still gives them a part in it: "when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away."
The church that stayed did the sending. Their fasting and prayer belonged to the same commission as the road.
No Spectators
Jesus told the eleven to "teach all nations." Before He was taken up, He told them, "ye shall be witnesses unto me." Neither sentence makes room for an audience. Nobody in either text is assigned to watch.
He did not put every disciple on the same road, though. Antioch had other prophets and teachers and a whole church, and the Holy Ghost named only two to leave. The ones who stayed were not less faithful for staying.
If God has not called you to a field overseas, you have not failed Him. You are still a witness where you live, among people who already know your name. And you can stand behind those who did go.
One Step This Week
Find out the name of someone your church has sent out, near or far. Learn what they are facing this month. Pray for them by name, and if you are able, give toward their work. A short note saying you prayed can reach a tired worker on the right day.
When Barnabas and Paul finished that first journey, they sailed back to Antioch, "from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled." They gathered the church and "rehearsed all that God had done with them." The report belonged to the ones who had stayed and prayed as much as to the two who went.
