Life On Mission For Jesus
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NRSV
Series: Love: For the Sake of Others
Devotional: 2 of 5
Last week we learned that becoming like Jesus is a lifelong journey, not a one-and-done event; that lasting transformation is God's work, not ours, but it does require a surrendered heart; and that we are being formed in His image, not ours. But what is the larger purpose of all of this transformation? Is the change happening inside each of us just between God and us? And what impact does who we are becoming have on others? To answer these questions, let's turn to the Gospel of Matthew and some of Jesus's final words to His disciples.
In the final moments before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He pulled together His disciples for one last message. "And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28: 18-20) His message today to you and me as His followers is no different. However, today we have primarily placed the responsibility of sharing the Gospel message and the lifelong journey of spiritual formation that follows on the shoulders of pastors, missionaries, and other paid church staff. Now there are certainly some who God has called to full-time ministry, but every person who has put their faith in Jesus has been given their own unique mission to advance God's Kingdom to the next generation and beyond.
Perhaps you are feeling uncertain about what your unique mission for Jesus is. Or maybe you feel timid and unqualified to share the work that Jesus is doing in your life with others. Not to worry, God hasn't left you alone to carry out His mission on your own. Like the disciples then, you and I have been "clothed with power from on high." (Luke 24:49) Power from the Holy Spirit to point others to Jesus so that He might transform their lives from the inside out.
As we go out into a lost and dark world, we can take comfort in the truth that our unique mission for Jesus's Kingdom is not ours alone. Instead, we are called by Jesus to steward His mission for our lives for as long as He chooses.
Today, take time to get quiet before the Lord. In the stillness, ask Him, "Lord, Jesus, what is the unique mission you have called me to step into?" You can be confident that He created you with a plan and a purpose to advance His Kingdom here on earth!
OnThe3rdDay Devotionals
Devotionals that illustrate Biblical principles in a simple and short format that can be applied to your everyday life.
RECOMMENDED READING
This is an affiliate link. Any purchase you might make helps support the ministry of OnThe3rdDay at no cost to you.
