It is the title of a well known book on mission by Eric Delve and the theme for the Star Trek series.

“To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before”

Jesus put it like this:

“After this the Lord appointed 72 others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go, saying… heal the sick and tell them the Kingdom of God is here” (Luke 10).

For the Christian this title is a challenge we all face because society, the church, the family unit all at this time are in a place of unprecedented complexity, friction and realignment that tests every human structure to the limit. We need a boldness to address change in the status quo of Church, we need to go “out there” and not stay “in here” and we need to stretch the boundaries of our own faith and belief beyond what we already encountered. Indeed as we remind ourselves that in fact there was a man, Jesus, who “has gone before” we have a message of the Kingdom to own and speak about that is both life and world changing in these situations.

Are we equipped to “boldly go”? Look again at what we have been hearing. It starts with something inside us not just bolted on from the outside. The journey for the nation of Israel was more about them finding out about themselves, as finding out about God. That was the key. Two important questions to ask ourselves are “Where is My First Love” and “Am I in Step with the Spirit”? They are crucial issues to address but as we answer them in the right way, from within us comes a heart for the lost and a leading of action that can reveal the Kingdom, God’s amazing dream, in so many ways. Be encouraged! The Kingdom of God is within us to boldly go.

When the 72 disciples returned to Jesus after they had “boldly gone” they were excited at what they had achieved but still puzzled by much of Jesus’ teachings and recognised they had only just started the journey. We all have a sense of that too. Highs and lows, good times and tough times, total recognition and complete bewilderment at what God is about in coming to realise we know far less than we think. Sometimes we have it all together but often life seems like a roller coaster ride that has gone out of control. In the midst of their questioning Jesus spoke these words of truth to His closest disciples as an encouragement to them all, and they are words to us too.

“He who receives you receives me…if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth he will certainly not loose his reward” (Matt 10:40)

“What can I bring?” was the question, “What can I bring?” Start by bringing yourself, God’s most precious possession, and a “cup of water” and asking God where He wants to place them both. That surely is the boldest thing we can all do at the start of the journey that lies ahead.