For My Good

"For My Good" available today on Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/For-My-Good-Boyd-Hatchel/dp/1936670739. Many times we miss God's best when we doubt His love for us. When we follow His ways and His principles, our lives are always better; either in this life or the next. Enjoy. Special thanks to BorderStone Press, LLC for publishing these thoughts.

Missions is a part of Maturity

Mark 9:1-6

            The first time I went on mission, I did not know the people I was going to meet.  I applied through an organization and interviewed with different people.  I walked off the airplane looking for a sign with my name on it.   It was an awkward experience.  Thankfully, the people who were waiting for me knew my name, face, and did not need a sign.  They welcomed me to their city and we stopped to pray.

            When Jesus commissioned his followers, the story was completely different.  First of all, He called them and asked them to follow Him (Luke 6:12-16).  Second, he mentored them and taught them the important truths about God (Luke 6:17-49).  Third, he gave them power and authority to do all that God had called (Luke 9:1-2).  Fourth, he gave them a very specific purpose and task, “to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”  (Luke 9:2) 

            One of the great parts of this sending of the disciples is that they went.  “So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the Gospel, and healing people everywhere.”  (Luke 9:6)  The disciples heard Jesus’ words and they obeyed.  They had seen his miracles, listened to his teaching, and watched him refute his opponents.  Now, he was asking them to share these experiences with others. 

            Mission service is not an additional commandment for the super spiritual.  Serving others is a key component of spiritual growth and maturity.  Jesus still desired to teach his followers some key truths about God and His kingdom.  However, he wanted to emphasize the key place of serving others by focusing upon two aspects – forgiveness and healing.

            Jesus instructed the disciples to, “…preach the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:2)  The primary aspect of mission service is the verbal proclamation of God’s plan.  Presence among people who do not believe is not enough.  Followers of Jesus must verbalize the components of the Gospel: God’s love, man’s sin, man’s problem, and God’s solution.

            Jesus also included a physical component in his commissioning, “…healing the sick.”  (Luke 9:2b)  Mission sending does not overlook, downplay, or discount the visible repercussions of sin, suffering, and separation from God.  In times of need or crisis, people are often more sensitive to spiritual realities.

            When the disciples returned from their mission, they shared their stories and experiences with Jesus (Luke 9:10).  He listened to their incidents and anecdotes and then asked them to go away with him for a few days.  Jesus was grateful for their service, but still had more lessons to teach and truths to explain.

Each time we hear God's voice and respond, He will use us to reflect His glory and help others more clearly understand the Gospel.  For reflection:

1)  With whom are you sharing the message of God's kingdom?

2) What is the time duration between God's commands and your responses?

Thanks for reading, listening, and responding.

Boyd