Day #36: Monday, February 8th

Made for a Mission

Scripture References: John 17:18, Acts 20:24, Matt. 28:19-20, 2 Cor. 5:18

Devotional

In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world." (John 17:18 MSG)

The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me, to tell people the Good News about God's grace." (Acts 20:24 NCV)

God is at work in the world, and he wants you to join him.  This assignment is called your mission.  It’s two-fold:  Your ministry is your service to believers while your mission is your service to unbelievers.   Being a Christian includes being sent into the world as a representative of Jesus Christ.  Jesus said, ​

As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”  (Jn 20:21)

Jesus clearly understood his life mission on earth.  At age twelve he said, “I must be about my Father’s business,” (Luke 2:49) and twenty-one years later, dying on the cross, He said, “It is finished.” (Jn. 19:30). Like bookends, these two statements frame a well-lived, purpose-driven life.  Jesus completed His mission and we strive to do the same.  

The mission Jesus had while on earth is now our mission because we are the Body of Christ.  “Christ changed us from enemies into his friends and gave us the task of making others his friends also.” (2 Cor. 5:18 TEV). 

Your mission is a continuation of Jesus’ mission on earth.
“Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you.” (Matt. 28:19-20)  These words of Jesus are not the Great Suggestion.  Our mission is mandatory in God’s eyes.  

Your mission is a wonderful privilege.
“God has given us the privilege of urging everyone to come into his favor and be reconciled to him.” (2 Cor. 5:18 LB) What a privilege to work with God and represent Him in the earth.

Your mission has eternal significance.
Did you ever think that it’s more important than any job, achievement, or goal you will reach during your life on earth?  The ripple effects of your mission will last forever while the impact of any secular job will not.  

Fulfilling your mission will require you abandoning your agenda and accepting God’s agenda for your life.  Instead of asking God to bless your efforts, hand God the blank assignment sheet of your life and ask Him to fill in the details.  “Give yourselves completely to God—every part of you—for you are back from death and you want to be tools in the hands of God, to be used for his good purposes.” (Rom.  6:13 LB) If you will commit to fulfilling your mission in life no matter the cost, you will experience the blessing of God in ways that few people ever experience.  You were made for a mission to live that way.

Prayer

Lord, I realize that my life is a mission because Jesus sent me.
As a member of Jesus’ body, may my life matter today.
I take seriously the privilege of sharing Jesus with others.
I set aside what I want to do and pursue Your plan for my life today.
I join with you Lord to accomplish our mission together.