The Appointed Task

If you know anything about me, you're aware that the topic of missions has been a significant part of my life for many years. When I was first "called", it took me off guard, especially since I was in Africa and begging God to let me go home! I will never forget the moment I heard/felt the voice of God. Yet, there I was ... alone and not sure what was about to take place. Undoubtedly unprepared. Certainly unqualified. Definitely intimidated.

I made it home after a life-altering encounter at an international Bible college where the team I was with stopped for tea and a short time of ministry. Within the next few weeks, I set out to try to understand what I could about missions, what it meant, and why it was so important.

I had been introduced to the concept as a child through our church's mission projects. But having an older cousin who served as a life-long missionary to the Navajo tribes stirred my heart in a very personal and meaningful way. I recall visiting with her during one of her sabbaticals. She gave me a gift I still cherish today – a book about the Navajo tribes from a young girl's perspective. I loved listening to her stories about the people who lived so differently from me. I was fascinated. A heart for those who didn't know Jesus was born in me through Cousin Betty. But it wasn't until I was in my 50s that the seed planted decades earlier began to take root and grow. My eyes were opened. My heart was on fire. My life was radically changed.

My studies led me to understand something I'd never heard anyone speak or teach about: Jesus' last words to His disciples were missional and critically important to the Kingdom of God. In fact, they were so important that they were repeated in all the Gospels and continued into Acts.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:19-20)

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." (Mark 16:15)

... and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. (Luke 24:46-48)

...Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21) 

But, that's not all ... the impact of the task appointed to the disciples, known as the Great Commission, is repeated, but this time the words of Jesus began to explode on the day of Pentecost:

"...But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

And then we see the disciples waiting in Jerusalem until they received the power from on High – the Holy Spirit poured out, empowering them to be witnesses.

"...He ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father..." (Acts 1:4)

It became so clear in my heart of hearts that the Great Commission is of utmost importance to the Kingdom of God ... the great mission of every follower of Jesus Christ is to make an effort to spread the message to everyone.

This is our responsibility, our duty, our ministry, our purpose. Those who have met the Master are His witnesses, commissioned to carry the Good News to the ends of the earth.

You say you can't go ... I totally get it! But, it takes us all to work as one to accomplish our appointed task. Being missional has many faces; here are just a few:

• Some are called to personally go and share the Good News wherever the Spirit leads;
• Some are called to sponsor those who are willing and able to go by investing their time, talent, and temporal means to make a way for others to go;
• Others are called to spread the word that you know someone who is carrying the Good News who needs prayer, support, and encouragement – be the link to strengthen their ministry;
• Some are called to do fundraising; reach out to businesses and organizations that might consider sponsoring the mission (not just the person);
• Some are called to create and/or lead a prayer team covering a particular mission in prayer 24/7 or as much as possible;
• Others are called to promote the mission on social media while encouraging others to share the mission with others as well;
• Some might be called to organize a 'shower' to provide items needed for those going to achieve their purpose, i.e., personal items, toiletries, tools, equipment, school supplies, etc.;
• Some are called to offer to cover the cost of extra luggage to carry Bibles, supplies, tools, and equipment needed to accomplish the mission;
• Still others might be called to offer free airline miles to help cover the cost of transportation.

There's no end to the ways everyone can be involved in the Great Commission. The greatest hindrance to the Great Commission is the lack of hearts and hands willing to respond to the mandate every believer has to spread the message of the Gospel throughout the earth.

Our appointed task. It's a critical mission ... serving as one body with one purpose for the glory of One True God!