Saved and Called
By Pastor Jeffrey Smith
Years ago, my father sent me to pick up some equipment for the church at a music store in Orlando. What was meant to be a quick trip turned into several hours of trying out the latest guitars in the store. Needless to say, I got sidetracked from the mission. Can anyone else relate to getting distracted and derailed from a task?
Jesus gave us a mission and task of the utmost importance. Matthew 28:18-20, “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
These verses above are known as the Great Commission. A commission is when authority is entrusted to someone, or a specific business is delegated to another person. Our business is to carry out God’s vision which is to go and make disciples and baptize them in the name of Jesus. The problem is we don’t always want to go. “Go” means getting out of our comfort zones or making sure other things don’t distract and pull us away from our purpose.
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace...” 2 Timothy 1:9
Jesus has not only saved you, but he called you to a holy purpose. Salvation is just the beginning. Our role on this earth is to be an ambassador of heaven and represent Christ with those around us. Our mission does not always call us overseas, but often it is within the direct sphere of influence we live. We all know people who are hurting, lost, and need love. You don’t have to have a Master’s degree in divinity or have all the answers to make disciples. Jesus is looking for people who are willing to go and share His love. We are always “going” somewhere and crossing paths with others. There are people who need to hear your story of God’s redemptive love. Let’s go into the brokenness of humanity and bring life. We are SAVED and CALLED.
Francis of Assisi said it beautifully in his prayer
“ Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
