Inspiration and Resources for the Week Ahead

Losing your car keys is frustrating.  Losing your purpose?  Well, that's a whole different challenge.

This week I want to remind you of the significance of God's mission and our participation in that mission.  God wants to see as many people as possible join his family—and God gives us the task of partnering with him in this important work.

Shortly after the resurrection Jesus said, "Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." (John 20:21)

The disciples spent three years with Jesus.  Now they were terrified of going outside.  Afraid of what could happen, they huddled in fear behind locked doors.  That's precisely when Jesus entered the room, into their fear, spoke peace over them, and pointed them outward.  We all have this tendency to turn inward and lose site of the work to which God has called us.  Sometimes it's because of fear.  Sometimes it's out of frustration with what's going on "out there."  Either way—Jesus enters into it and reminds us of our purpose.

In this wonderful moment with his disciples, Jesus sends them out in a way characterized by his own example.  He said "AS the Father sent me, I'm sending you."  We are to go in the same manner in which Jesus was sent.  Jesus left his throne in heaven and entered our brokenness.  He walked into the harsh realities of our lives.  He experienced the same mess we all see.  This is exactly how Jesus wants to send us out—into the hurt, pain, and brokenness of those around us.  We're sent out; but we're also sent out to those who need the hope and healing Jesus offers.

This week I'd like to ask you, how are you entering into someone else's pain and brokenness?  Who has God placed in your path?  For whom can you be the hands, feet, or mouthpiece of Jesus this week?  What is one step you can take today to be sent, as the Father sent Jesus?

Have a blessed week!
​Pastor Michael