Jesus, in His last words before leaving the earth, applied no qualifier as to who should be involved in discipling the people of the nations. There is no exclusion for age, social status, or ethnic origin. Furthermore, He did not call us to evangelize the nations, but to disciple the nations.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you;” [Matt 28:19-20]
We do not need to wonder if it is God’s will for us to be about the business of representing Jesus. We are appointed to do so.
“I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.” [John 15:16]
Life is not about living the American dream, dying, and going to Heaven. There are eternal rewards for serving the Lord. We all have plenty of wood, hay, and stubble to lay before the Lord, but are we building with gold, silver, and precious stones?
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw – the work of each builder will become visible…it shall be revealed by fire.” [1 Cor. 3:11-12]
The message of the exclusivity of Jesus is not popular. Expect tough going. The Christian journey is a fight. But this opposition is not against you; it is against the Holy Spirit.
“But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness;” [1 Cor. 1:23]
The mission will be accomplished! Will you be a part of this great plan or will you stand on the sidelines?
“Thou… has redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people and nation…” [Rev. 5:9]
“The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” [Hab. 2:14]
2 thoughts on “Appointed”
I am only in my late 50’s, but I am disabled, and I walk with a walker. I want to make a difference with my life (such as it is). I don’t drive any more, and my speech is slurred especially when I get tired. Can you give me some ideas of things that I can do for my Lord? Thanks, Sandra
Good question. Don’t be thinking in a stereo-type of doing ministry, local or long distance. Perhaps you can proof-read and edit. Perhaps you can assist by encouraging missionaries with email love-notes. Perhaps you can communicate by mail and email with missionary children as an encouragement. You can join with Global Media Outreach and become an on-line missionary to disciple the nations from your computer. We still suggest you complete an ExploreNext profile with the sort of things you might enjoy. It only has to be one thing that energizes you with one organization.