Jesus’ mission is our mission, too!

I was on the schedule for chaplain duty on Saturday at a local rehabilitation center. When I arrived at the center that afternoon, the activity director greeted me and handed me a list of patients to visit. The list of names was longer than usual.

I thought about what my wife said when I left the house. "You know we invited people over for dinner. Please try not to be late." I felt the pressure to finish up early so I would have enough time to get home to welcome our guests.

But I understood, with the prompting of the Holy Spirit, that I needed to take my time and be deliberate in ministering to the patients. I was there as a missionary to witness to Jesus Christ and share the news about God working in our lives, especially in times of suffering and illness.

In Acts 13, the apostle Paul preached in Antioch during his first missionary trip. He addressed a crowd of Jews and Gentiles who accepted his message about Jesus and another group of Jewish leaders who did not believe.

Paul tells the people who have gathered that the mission of Jesus is the mission of all followers. And the purpose is to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to all people, being a light to the nations and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16).

God’s mission is our mission. Let us proclaim Christ’s redemption on the cross — a visible sign of his profound care and love for us. Christ’s crucifixion should fill our hearts with praise and inspire us to call on our non-believing brothers and sisters to trust in our Savior.

Then again, God does not command all of us to preach on street corners or serve in missionary fields far from home. God only asks that we believe and live as Christians. That alone is enough to bring forth the divine light of God into our homes, workplaces, and communities, touching hearts and saving many souls.

Because how we live as Christians makes a difference.

Lord, give me a heart eager to bring others into your fold, a place of love, kindness, and compassion. Prevent the busyness in my life from distracting me from this mission you have called me to carry out. Amen.

Throughout This Day: Look for opportunities where you can put your Christian faith on display, being a billboard that draws others to the welcoming arms of Jesus.



Tags: Daily Devotional Acts 13
Photo Credit: Fons Heijnsbroek on Unsplash