~ Jesus Commissions Us still

Paul in his letter to the Hebrews quotes a promise of God made that is found in the book of Deuteronomy that goes "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," Hebrews 13:5 and goes on to talk about the things that we can be confident in because of that promise in verse 6 with

“God is there, ready to help;
I'm fearless no matter what.
Who or what can get to me?”

This is the confidence we can have as we live our lives with, in and for the Master. We can back this up with the words of Jesus as He knew He was headed for the cross as found in John 14.  He was aware that the twelve would be at a loss and so He told them what was to happen.

He told them that He had to go away but that when He was gone Father would send another who would provide them with all they ask, according to Jesus’ name.  This one that we call Holy Spirit has been described in various versions as “Comforter” and “Advocate” was called the “Spirit of Truth” by Jesus was promised to be with us forever.

These promises are still current.  God is for us, He is on our side, and Holy Spirit resides within every believer in Jesus. He guides us through the day 24/7 and 365 days a year.  He not only guides but He also strengthens our resolve in Jesus.  Ask what you will of the Spirit, and you will be given an answer “in truth” if it is in accord with the things Jesus wants us to have then He will supply.

I am not talking here about the controversial issues that have arisen about Holy Spirit.  I am talking about the very ordinary issues of life; I am talking about our credentials as ambassadors for the Lord God.  We have the authority to live for God, to speak for God in the circumstances we find ourselves in on a daily basis.

Just before Jesus told the twelve of the impending arrival of the Spirit Phillip asked to see Father and Jesus said what Phillip had seen in Him was from Father, but then went on to say

“The person who trusts me will not only do what I'm doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I've been doing” John 14:12

When we combine that with the words spoken over us in Matthew 28:18-20

"God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."

We become people on a mission with the promise of authority to make a difference for God wherever we are guided by Holy Spirit, authorized by Jesus who is also called “God with us” which is the meaning of the name Christ.

So then this is what we are called to do, how we are to do it and why; for the love of Christ our Saviour.  Can’t we take this with us into our daily lives?