The Greatness of GodNäide

Empowered for Mission

When we say yes to following Jesus, we sign our Kingdom vocation contract. We are resourced to outwork this calling and provided with mentors to encourage, challenge, and motivate us on the way. We find them in history, on the pages of the Bible, and in the seats at our local church.

Mission as vocation or calling is a major thread in the Bible. Several heroes of the faith were sent out by God, such as Abraham, Moses, and Isaiah. This tapestry of mission is rich with colour, because the sending, application, and context of Kingdom vocation varied. There are those in the scriptures who embodied the mission, like Mary, Jesus’ mother. Others were positioned to mobilize mission like Joseph in Egypt or David as King of Israel. While others used the power of speech to speak decisively and powerfully of ‘the mission’ of God, like Jeremiah or the Apostle Paul.

The incarnation of Jesus is God on mission. In Latin, the term is missio dei, which means ‘the sending of God.’ Jesus embodies the mission, and as His followers, in our own way, we are to do the same. We are the continuation of this now, our Kingdom vocation, empowered by the Spirit, is to be sent with a message, to carry the good news to the nations.

The disciples' mission began with prayer as they waited to be filled with the Holy Spirit and were sent out. So should ours, we need to wait for His leading, because God knows the people who need to hear the breakthrough stories you carry. He knows those you will meet on your commute or in an appointment, who are lost. You will recognize it because you have been lost in that same way. However, you are not afraid because you know the company of your Shepherd. You have sat with Him listening to His voice, leading you out of darkness once again. Therefore, He has sent you with His very words that offer light in the darkness of your circumstances to speak encouragement to others in the same place. Your testimony doesn’t just remain as words of encouragement, because you are empowered by the Holy Spirit, they become a place of encounter with Jesus, which can change the trajectory of someone’s life.

The good news you carry is printed in your story; your personal testimony is part of what you are sent with. As you share Jesus’ transformative work in your life, you are living out your vocation of Kingdom mission. And, just as those who have gone before us, we carry not just the testimony of the Kingdom but the ability to display its power.

Pause and reflect

Firstly, let’s pray with expectation of being sent today. Perhaps asking the Holy Spirit to empower you to embody the good news as you navigate your day, with words of hope as you connect with others momentarily or as a part of your weekly routine.

Pause and pray

Now let’s take the time to pray for those whom we know who have answered the call to be sent to business, education, other regions, or to other nations on mission. Ask God to empower them by His Spirit to be His witness in their relationships and in the places Jesus leads them.

Pause and pray