Imagine what the first disciples of Jesus felt when the Messiah came. He was everything they had hoped for and so much more. He had the words of life, and He was wise in ways that challenged the Pharisees. Jesus commanded thunderstorms to stop and healed people from sicknesses, diseases, and handicaps in an instant. He gave hope to a hopeless people who were occupied by the powerful Roman Empire, but He also extended salvation to all outside of His chosen ones. He surprised everyone and was the most wonderful expression of God in the flesh. Then He was arrested and executed a thief’s punishment of crucifixion on a cross.
His disciples witnessed the death of the One who brought them hope and healing, so they fled; fearing for their own lives. Then Jesus was resurrected from the dead, and He appeared to them several times. He commissioned them saying:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” -Matthew 28:18-20
Just a few weeks later, the promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled, and those SCARED disciples were EMPOWERED by God to do the work He commissioned them to do!
“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly…With great power, the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was powerfully at work in them all.” - Acts 4:31,33
When Jesus gave what we know as The Great Commission, He didn’t say that we should GO only if we meet certain requirements or are born with specific talents, but He commands all to GO while promising to GIVE us exactly what we need to do the work He sets before us. This distinguishes Jesus from all other gods. He can use anyone despite their shortcomings; rather, His power is made perfect in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). Be encouraged, friends! Your life has purpose in His Kingdom, and it’s not about what you can give but what Jesus already gave!
Before I entered college, I had the idea that to be used by God, I had to be like other people I had seen God use in great ways. I compared myself to others around me thinking they simply had gifts I didn’t have and truly believed I would never be able to be used by God, because I didn’t have much to offer. Beginning to grow in relationship with Jesus, He showed me that it wasn’t about me at all. As I focused on Him first and stayed faithful to Him alone, He equipped me with gifts and strengths over time and has used me to serve the people around me! Be assured that YOU are called, and He will qualify YOU for whatever he sets before you!
Practical Challenge: Each day this week, when you get up in the morning, ask Jesus what He wants to do in you and through you that day. Perhaps he will show you a scripture or challenge you to lay down an attitude that has become second nature to you. Or maybe He will bring someone to your mind to reach out to and pray for or serve in some way.
Our God is alive! He speaks! He has a will and wants it to be known.
Blessings Friends,
-Kait Richey