AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. (John 15:16 NKJV)

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV)

 It's a wonderful thing to hear these words from the lips of our Lord, when we remember what the devil said to Him at the beginning of His ministry (Luke 4:6).  Evidently the scepter had been taken from the hand of the prince of this world. Our Lord is supreme in heaven, and equally so on earth. He has authority over winds and waves; over the natural world with its laws and elements; over gold mines and harvest fields; over the minds and souls of all men who have been purchased by His invaluable blood. It would greatly facilitate our obedience to His command if we realized that the whole world is His by creation and redemption, and that wherever we go throughout its vast territory we are within His domains.

Notice the care with which Christ insists that those who were disciples should be taught to observe all His commands (Matthew 28:20). He chose the Apostles that they might receive His commands, not for their own obedience alone, but that they might impress them upon others. Obedience is the law of spiritual growth and blessedness. Let us resolve, first to observe whatsoever the Master has appointed; the second, to teach others to do the same. Whenever the task seems too great for our strength, let's remember the golden promise that He is with us always. Never a day can come with its demands, its call for dutiful obedience, but He will be at hand to bear our burden, to help us by the right hand of His strength, to inspire us by the light of His face.

The Christian life, after all, comes to this, how much will you obey Christ? If you refuse, you shut yourself out of His best, for He can do nothing for you or with you. But if you surrender yourself to obey, there is no limit to the usefulness and blessedness that must ensue (Genesis 18:18-19).  To live like this, we must abide in Him, and allow His words, by meditation and prayer, to abide in us. Then obedience ceases to be an effort, but it is the fruit of an exuberant life.

PRAYER

Help us to abide in our calling with You, to detect Your presence in every place. May we realize that every place may be a temple, every duty a service, and that we are part of Your great host, who do Your bidding, hearkening to the voice of Your word. In Jesus' name I pray this, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #350:
You will have perfect peace if you keep focused on Me. 

Isaiah 26:3 (WEB)
You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace,
because he trusts in you.