Captivated by the World Map

It is said that the soldiers of Napoleon’s army carried in their knapsacks a map of the world in the tri-colors of France. They were “convicts,” “prisoners,” “captives,” “slaves” of the idea of taking the world for France. Christian brothers and sisters, our Sovereign Lord has placed the burning vision of the whole world before the eyes of His people and has asked each of them to let it burn its way into his heart. And this vision is to constantly occupy our thoughts, our plans, our dreams, our activities, as long as we live. Once the vision begins to possess us, we will realize that Jesus patterned a plan for us—you and I as individuals—to implement and fulfill the vision. This is what visionary disciple-making is all about! Is that big, or is that big?

Herb Hodges, Tally Ho the Fox

Then toward the end of the time they took a map of the world up to their prayer hideaway and, touching Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas, they asked God to use them to reach men for Him there.

Daws had heard that Napoleon’s men carried with them a map of the world to remind them their leader wished to conquer it. God’s men also must get on their hearts what is on His heart and never forget a moment the whole world: Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.… Make disciples of all nations.… in Jerusalem… Judea… the uttermost part of the earth.

Discipleship Journal, Issue 3 (May/June 1981) (NavPress, 1981).