The Chain of Mission —I: How Will They Hear?
Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | Friday, October 9, 2026 | Romans 10:14–15
KEY VERSE: “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” — Romans 10:15 (KJV)
MESSAGE:
In the preceding verses, Paul has shown us the simplicity of salvation. The word is near. We believe in the risen Christ, confess Jesus as Lord, and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But today’s passage raises the next question: How will people call on the Lord if they have never heard about Him? Paul now takes us into what we may call the chain of mission. People cannot call on One they have not believed in, cannot believe in One they have not heard about, and cannot hear without someone proclaiming the message. Then Paul asks, “How shall they preach, except they be sent?”
The Gospel, available to all, must also be carried to all. The good news does not remain with those who have already received it. God sends people to proclaim Christ so that others may hear, believe, and call on His name. This is why Paul describes the feet of those who bring good news as “beautiful.” Their beauty lies not in their appearance but in the message they carry. They go with news of salvation, peace with God, and hope in Christ.
This places a responsibility before every believer and every church. Some are called and sent to proclaim the Gospel in places near and far. Others strengthen that work through prayer, giving, encouragement, and practical support. Each serves the larger purpose of helping the good news reach people who need to hear it. Paul’s questions also challenge our indifference. If hearing matters, then making Christ known matters. We cannot rejoice that salvation is open to everyone while remaining unconcerned about whether people have an opportunity to hear the message.
This should not leave us crushed by guilt. It should awaken us to privilege. God has entrusted us with the good news of Jesus Christ and has chosen to involve His people in carrying it to others. The question remains before us: How will they hear? God still sends His people with the message.
FEET AND HANDS OF THE MESSAGE:
Consider where God has already placed you within His work of making the Gospel heard. Be attentive to the opportunities before you to speak about Christ, support Gospel mission, encourage those who are sent, or help others encounter the message of salvation.
PRAYER:
Father, make me willing to take part in making the Gospel heard. Give me courage when I need to speak, generosity when I can support, and faithfulness in every opportunity You give me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
Day 282 Hosea 13–14; Joel 1–2 — Return to the Lord and Receive His Mercy
DAILY word study: SENT
The word “sent” reflects the Greek verb apostellō (ἀποστέλλω), meaning “to send,” “to dispatch,” or “to send out for a purpose.”
In Romans 10:15, Paul asks, “How shall they preach, except they be sent?” The word places sending before proclamation. The messenger goes because there is a message to deliver.
A fresh insight is that Paul uses a passive form: “be sent.” Gospel mission is not simply a personal project. The messenger receives a task and goes with a message that did not originate with them.
Reflect on This:
Do you see sharing the Gospel as your own initiative, or as participation in the mission God has entrusted to His people?
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