“As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” - John 17:18
I am not a fan of modern television programs. I prefer the classic TV shows. Do you remember the TV series, “Mission: Impossible”? Young people know about the movie franchise, but some of us older folks recall the original TV series, starring Peter Graves.
Each episode of the old TV series, “Mission: Impossible,” began with the main character getting a tape recording. The recording gave a brief outline of a vital assignment. The episode proceeded with the cast trying to accomplish the mission they were given. In addition to the action-packed episodes, the theme music was among the most memorable TV theme songs of that era.
I'm glad I don't have a job in the field of espionage. Every day life is challenging enough at times. If you're like me, much of life seems to be rather mundane. Daily activities have become a ritual. For us, life does not consist of dangerous adventures. Paying the bills and meeting responsibilities can be enough for us to tackle.
Yet we have been given a mission. Although most of us are not called to go overseas and serve as foreign missionaries, we are called to fulfill a mission. We are missionaries to a fallen world. The world we once enjoyed and loved has become a place that seems very foreign to us. We are citizens of another country, assigned here on earth for a brief period. Although the specific task each believer is assigned may differ, we share common goals.
When Jesus prayed to His Father in John 17, He said, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” Jesus came to earth on a mission to redeem lost men. He was sent by His Father on a mission of love. Now, His followers are being sent, “I have sent them into the world.”
Our mission is a formidable task. We are called to represent our Lord in this wicked world. Paul put it this way: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20). This verse reveals two things: our mission and our message.
Yet we have good news to bring to fallen mankind. Jesus Christ did for us what we could never do for ourselves. He was sent to earth on a rescue mission. He died on the cross, suffering the wrath that we deserved, so that we could be saved. His death purchased life for every person who believes. Mankind can be reconciled to God, but only through Jesus Christ.
As Ambassadors for Christ, we are on a mission. We have a message. Just as Jesus was sent on a rescue mission to save us, we are being sent to spread His message to dying souls. The very message they need the most is the message we should share.
Let me be very clear about something. We have a daunting task. Our mission is impossible. On our own, we will fail miserably. Although we are sent back into the world, it takes a miracle for our message to change lives. We need the Lord's help in all we do. Our work is impossible without the power of the Holy Spirit. We are dependent on the Lord to accomplish our mission. Our mission is impossible on our own. It is only possible as God works through our lives.
Time is fleeting. Souls are perishing. Workers are few.
Will you heed God's call to live on mission today?
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