[Today🌾05/18/2024 is Day 25, Week 4, and 3 (of the 7) weeks to Shavuot/Firstfruits]
WHAT is your mission in life? Let's take a look at what mission can bring to a man of first-century church:
"Five times my own people gave me thirty-nine lashes with a whip. Three times the Romans beat me with a big stick, and once my enemies stoned me. I have been shipwrecked three times, and I even had to spend a night and a day in the sea. During my many travels, I have been in danger from rivers, robbers, my own people, and foreigners. My life has been in danger in cities, in deserts, at sea, and with people who only pretended to be the Lord’s followers. I have worked and struggled and spent many sleepless nights. I have gone hungry and thirsty and often had nothing to eat. I have been cold from not having enough clothes to keep me warm." (2 Corinthians 11:24-27)
This is a glimpse of apostle Paul's life. This is not the tale of a man who had nothing better to do with his life or who had no other choices. Paul was well educated, articulate, a leader in his own right. By virtue of his background, he was a man with many other plans. Yet he was determined to serve his God and Christ.
Initially, he had sought to destroy and persecute Christ's followers, but then after his calling and awakening he endured outrageous suffering and personal sacrifices. It was pure, startling, yet conscious and dedicated decision. There was no turning back! For what reason? Paul was an individual driven to fulfill a vision for the Kingdom.
In his letters Paul emphasized many aspects of his purposeful ministry. Thus, throughout the latter half of the book of Acts, we see Paul emerging: preaching, teaching, admonishing and planting and visiting churches with the kind of fervor not found in a person who is simply earning a wage. What was his secret? Paul was driven to a mission and worked tirelessly for God’s vision--committing his life to working out that vision into becoming reality!
-----------
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." --2 Timothy 4:7-8
| RDH
📷DeviantArt #Pentecost2024
Comments