SENT

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:21 (NIV)

 Recently I attended an International Conference on Missions. Over three thousand missionaries and mission-sending personnel gathered from all over the world for rest, encouragement, training and to share their stories. Many were from the United States and Christian-friendly countries of the west, but there were also many who are working in countries where Christianity is illegal or otherwise oppressed. (Think the Middle-East, China, North Africa, India, Russia.)

 It was humbling to listen to them, but it was also challenging. I never detected a hint of fear in anyone, but consistently saw joy, excitement and what could only be described as vital life. That is life with purpose—life fueled by success seen in changed lives, churches planted and Christ worshipped.             

 This full life is the kind Jesus has in mind for each of us. John 6:16-18 tells us Jesus was sent to teach us and to be a model Godly person, to show us how to live. Likewise, Jesus equips and sends us, his disciples, with the Holy Spirit to continue his work. He told us we would do even greater things than he did! (John 14:11-14)

 That is really hard to comprehend. Do you ever think of yourself personally as a Man of God or a Woman of God? But Jesus said it, so it must be true. God sent Jesus, and Jesus sends us. He equips us with his indwelling Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. The whole power of God is available to a person who will believe, receive and obey.

 Astonishing! What a way to live!

 Prayer: Lord Jesus, keep me constantly aware of your presence, and give me the guidance and courage to be the faithful disciple you call me to be.

 © 2016 Parker Wayland