The High Cost of Sharing the Gospel
January 3, 1956, was a fateful day for five missionaries who landed on a remote airstrip in the Ecuadorian jungle. Their mission was to reach the Auca Indians, a tribe notorious for its hostility towards outsiders. The missionaries, led by Jim Elliot, had spent years preparing for this moment, driven by a deep sense of obedience to God’s command to spread the gospel to every nation.
As they settled into their makeshift hut, the missionaries knew the risks were high. Their wives had already discussed the possibility of becoming widows. Yet, they remained steadfast in their commitment, fueled by a passion to share the good news of Jesus with the Aucas.
A Fateful Encounter
On January 6, three Aucas approached the missionaries, and an initial exchange of greetings seemed promising. However, just two days later, the missionaries failed to make contact via radio, prompting a search party to be sent out. The devastating news soon followed: four of the missionaries had been killed, their bodies lanced to death. The fifth, Nate Saint, was never found.
A Legacy of Sacrifice
Jim Elliot’s famous words, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose,” continue to inspire generations of Christians. His sacrifice, along with that of his fellow missionaries, serves as a powerful reminder of the high cost of sharing the gospel.
The Empty Promise of Consumerism
In contrast to the missionaries’ selfless devotion, the world often prioritizes material wealth and status. A chance encounter between an octogenarian and a wealthy businessman highlights the emptiness of consumerism. The businessman, worth £4 million, poignantly remarks, “But I’m ninety-three, and soon I’ll be gone, and what will it be worth to me then?”
Bridging the Gap between Evangelism and Social Action
The story of Jim Elliot and the Auca missionaries serves as a catalyst for bridging the gap between evangelism and social action. As Tim Chester argues, the truth of the gospel is best understood and embraced in the context of loving action and gospel-centered community.
A Life of Radical Devotion
Jim Elliot’s diary, recovered by the search party, offers a glimpse into his heart. His final entry reads: “I walked out to the hill just now… Oh, the fullness, pleasure, sheer excitement of knowing God on earth! I care not if I never raise my voice again for him, if only I may love him, please him.”
Taking Hold of True Life
Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 6:19 remind us that by being generous and willing to share, we can “take hold of that which is truly life.” The good news of the gospel offers an alternative to the empty way of life promised by consumerism. We can enjoy the life that is truly life – a life of radical devotion to Christ, marked by sacrifice, generosity, and a deep love for God.
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