Route 66
"I will send some of those who survive to the nations" Is. 66:19.

This is the first of three columns investigating one of God's greatest
mission texts.

How does God lead us to where He wants us to serve in His mission? I think
Paul the missionary followed "Route 66." In the United States, Route 66 was one of the
earliest highways to span the country. Over the years it has attained a
semi-legendary status--people assume they will experience adventure while
traveling Route 66.

But the "Route 66" that Paul followed is Isaiah 66. In verse 18 the Lord
declares:

"And I, because of their actions and their imaginations,
am about to come and gather all nations and tongues,
and they will come and see my glory."

This verse is a broad-stroke prophecy about the Messiah's mission. His coming
is necessary due to the sinful actions and imaginations of humanity. The
revealing of His glory will impact the globe.

Then Is. 66:19 adds amazing geographic details.
"I will set a sign among them,
and I will send some of those who survive to the nations--
to Tarshish, to the Libyans and Lydians (famous as archers),
to Tubal and Greece,
and to the distant islands
that have not heard of My fame or seen My glory.
They will proclaim My glory among the nations."

1. What is the sign set among the nations? It is Jesus Christ: His miracles,
   teaching, crucifixion and resurrection (Is. 11:10, Acts 2:22). He is the
   Sign all nations should heed.
   
   
2. Who are the survivors sent to the nations? Jews of Jesus' day who believed
   in Him as the Christ and obeyed His global mission strategy (Matt. 28:18-20,
   John 20:21-23, Acts 1:8). Many modern-day Jews who believe in Jesus continue
   this tradition.
   
   
3. What are the places mentioned by name?
   * Tarshish is Spain; target of Paul's planned 4th journey (Rom. 15:23-24).
   * Libya is north Africa.
   * Lydia is western Turkey; Paul's 2nd and 3nd journeys.
   * Tubal is southeast Turkey; Paul's 1st, 2nd, and 3nd journeys.
   * Greece; Paul's 2nd and 3rd journeys.

   When I get to heaven I want to ask Paul: "Did you just happen to go to your
   mission destinations, or did you intentionally go to the places foretold in
   Is. 66?" I suspect that Paul as prompted by the Holy Spirit, purposely followed
   God's "Route 66." And, oh, what adventures he and the Lord shared!

   4. Can we still follow Route 66 today? Yes, in two ways.
   a. Today, Turkey and Libya are predominantly Muslim. Spain and Greece,
   though nominally Christian, are falling prey to secularism. These four
   countries need fresh exposure to God's fame and glory.

   b. Is. 66:19 also mentions "the distant islands" and "the nations" in
   general. Therefore, God's Route 66 points to all the ends of the earth.

   I invite you to follow God's Route 66, as Paul did, and, oh, what great adventures,
   you and the Lord will share!

1. Imagine how Paul might have felt when he viewed a map of his world?
2. Compare Is. 66:19 to a map of Paul's journeys. Do you think this verse guided him?
3. Describe your mission journey thus far. What future mission destination and adventures may the Holy Spirit have for you?