"As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them." John 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 will think of the space shuttle missions. Others will envision a courier bearing secret messages, bombers on a seek-and-destroy mission, or perhaps a physician on a mission of mercy.
In any case, "mission" brings to mind someone going out to do an important task. 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 Christians by sending them to proclaim the benefits of His divine work. We are invited to take part in His great work. Not all can or need go to faraway places. We can have a part in Christ's mission in many ways. With our own talents and means and opportunities, we can respond to Jesus' sending.
Our Lord calls us to Himself that we may believe and be saved. But He does not coddle us forever. He sends us out that others may be saved.
PRAYER: When You send us out, Lord Jesus, grant that we may be willing and eager to carry out Your mission. Amen.
(Devotions from "The Abundant Life" copyright 1998, CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time e-mailing of this link to a friend. For information on other devotional material, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit CPH at www.cph.org.)
Today's Bible Readings: Micah 6-7 Acts 22
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