There really is nothing new under the sun. In the 1st year of the world following the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, men were sent out to tell others in foreign countries of the love of Jesus. For most it was a "sending out" to a place likely producing life for others and death for the individual. They were 1st century kamikazi believers in Jesus.
I have been in a number of modern day church services, where there is a laying on of hands and a sending out of the individual. In Paul's day, there was prayer and fasting among the group. The ones being sent didn't uniquely step up and say, "Send me!" God did the selecting. The group heard from God and the two men were separated out. It is as if the entire group of men were prepared to be kamikazi. God uniquely selected who, when the time was right.
"As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away."
I have been in a number of modern day church services, where there is a laying on of hands and a sending out of the individual. In Paul's day, there was prayer and fasting among the group. The ones being sent didn't uniquely step up and say, "Send me!" God did the selecting. The group heard from God and the two men were separated out. It is as if the entire group of men were prepared to be kamikazi. God uniquely selected who, when the time was right.
Can you imagine what it must have been like? There must have been an incredible air of expectancy. each man wondering who would be honored to be sent of God and know likely death awaited the end of the journey.
I think today, there is not much expectancy at being sent and not much desire to be killed for one's beliefs (at least in America). In other places, where life and death still hangs in the air for those who believe, I think faith is much stronger. It is amazing that two thousand years later, God is still calling out individuals to proclaim His Word to the uttermost ends of the earth.
But it doesn't seem as likely for God to find a group of men all expectantly wondering if they will be the chosen two men to Kamikazi for Christ...
I pray that I might have a heart willing to Kamikazi for Christ in all things and at all times...
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