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| September 28, 2001 |
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| "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth." John 17:17-18 From the Latin word for "send" we derive the word "mission." Depending on our experience, we may get various pictures in our minds from that word. Some people will think of the space shuttle mission. Others may envision a seek-and-destroy mission, especially after our attack on our nation September 11th. In any case, "mission" brings to mind someone going out to do a task of some sort. Jesus was the greatest missionary because He was sent by His Father to redeem the world. He completed His task on Good Friday and announced it by saying, "It is finished." Jesus honors His children by sending them to proclaim the benefits of His divine work. We are invited to take part in His great work! We need not all go to places far off ~ we can take part in Christ's mission in many ways right here where we are! With our own talents and means and opportunities, we can respond to Jesus' sending. Jesus didn't ask God to take the believers out of this world, but to use them in the world. Because He sends us into the world, we should not try to escape from it, nor avoid a relationship with a non-christian. We are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), and we are to do the work that God sent us to do. Application: Our Lord calls us to Himself that we may believe and be saved, and He also expects us to go out that others may be saved also. We should be eager and willing to carry out His mission. May God bless you as He uses you to reach and tell someone today of His redeeming love. Love in Christ, Sandy |