FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
OUR THEME FOR 2021
(Part 16)
OUR MISSION – 7
January 26, 2021
Today’s readings:
2 Timothy 1:1-8
Psalm 96:1-10
Mark 3:31-35
The distinction of a Christian is that he/she is a child of God and as such is a brother or sister of Jesus. A Christian is also a disciple of the Lord Jesus. A disciple obeys the Master. In obeying Jesus, we do the will of God. Jesus makes these inter-relationships clear. “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mk 3:35).
Now per our theme verse for this year, Jesus commands us to be light to the world and instruments of salvation to the ends of the earth.1 He commands us! This is what he wills. We are to “proclaim his salvation day after day …. among all peoples” (Ps 96:2b-3). For all peoples to be reached, for the gospel to be proclaimed to every creature in the whole world,2 for the nations to be made disciples,3 we are to “declare among the nations: The Lord is king.” (Ps 96:10a).
How can it happen? God enables us and provides what we need.
First, God emboldens and equips us. “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord” (2 Tm 1:7-8a). We must become bold witnesses of the gospel. Even in our human weakness, even as we face an antagonistic world of darkness and evil, even as we confront a powerful enemy, we can go forth with confidence, because our confidence is from and in God. The love of God and neighbor impels us, and God provides power as needed.
Second, God strengthens us to bear the crosses that inevitably come. “Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.” (2 Tm 1:8b). To be a disciple is to take up our cross daily.4 This is our privilege, to share in our own small way in the suffering of Christ for the purpose of salvation for all. We do God’s work, and we can be confident that God will equip and strengthen us for this all-important divine work.
Third, we need to cooperate with the grace extended by God. We are “to stir into flame the gift of God” (2 Tm 1:6). We are to grow in zeal for the gospel and the righteousness of God. We are to see the great need in the world for conversion, and see our place in God’s work. We are to be fired up, and be raring to engage the enemy as holy warriors.
This is the way to be God’s light to the world and Jesus’ instruments of salvation to the ends of the earth. This is the way to make disciples of all nations, that will accept Jesus as Savior and Lord. And the celebration of God will be to the ends of the earth. “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” (Ps 96:1).
1Acts 13:47.
2Mark 16:15.
3Matthew 28:19.
4Luke 9:23.
