As we come to the final section of our book, we find a new word: COMMISSIONED. I looked it up for us so we would know what we were talking about.
|
COMMISSIONED
|
There are a couple of very powerful words hidden in the definition of this word. In the first point, someone has the authority to grant certain powers or authority to another person to enable them to carry out a task or duty. In the second point, there are a group of people who have been assigned this authorization – they have been ‘commissioned.’ In the fourth point, being commissioned means someone has the authority to undertake or perform assigned duties.
BUT, in the third point, someone who is commissioned is IN ACTIVE SERVICE. Someone is not authorized to be in passive service, or absent service, or ‘when you want to’ service. If you are commissioned, you are in ACTIVE service.
Throughout our study of “Girls With Swords” we have learned that we are CHOSEN. We have been EQUIPPED and ARMED. In this final week we are learning what it means to be COMMISSIONED by our Commander to enter Active Service. Look with me at the words of Jesus as He prepares the remaining eleven disciples for ACTIVE SERVICE in His Kingdom.
JESUS Gives The Great COMMISSION
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
Did you notice the action words in this passage? Go, Baptize and Teach. As commissioned disciples of Jesus, we have a JOB. Jesus did not give us a job without teaching us how to carry out that job. Look back at Matthew 16:24, “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Again…more action words: Come, Deny, Take and Follow.
Jesus says “anyone” and that includes you and me. We have the ability to accept His invitation to follow Him, to obey Him, to deny ourselves, and take up our cross. Lisa says we each have a different cross because we are different people. We each walk our own journey and need His help carrying our cross.
For us to be able to wear the King’s crown one day, we must learn to carry the cross. Lisa says something pretty profound:
“We wear the crown, and we carry the cross. Jesus bore our cross so we could wear his crown. He became like us. Isn’t it time we became like him?” (page 210)
So, what is OUR cross? It is our part of the Kingdom. We each have a job to do. We are called into ACTIVE SERVICE because Jesus has the Authority to Commission us. Jesus invites us to join Him in His work. He has given us a job. Will you participate actively? Are you passive? Are you still sitting on the bench waiting and watching other people carrying THEIR cross?
When I have a really big job to do, it bothers me to no end to see my kids sitting on the couch watching TV or painting their nails. We all have a part to play in the proper function of our household. If I am the only one working, I begin to have a bad attitude. I imagine Jesus has felt the same way about us, don’t you?
Jesus has offered us the opportunity to come alongside Him and serve. He has commissioned us Into Active Service. We have a job that only we can do. If you are sitting on the sidelines, someone else is doing your part and getting your blessing. Your cross is not a ‘memorial’ or a symbol. It is your active service to the KING.
Take up your cross, do your job, and be honored to lay your crown down at the feet of Jesus. Let’s begin this last week together worshipping the King. You have been chosen, equipped, trained, and commissioned. Let’s make our Commander proud.
Let’s Pray:
Father God, King of Kings and LORD of our lives, we submit our will to You today. Thank You for choosing us. Thank You for Your care in training us and for Your belief in our ability to serve in Your Kingdom. Thank You for Your Sword. As we learn to use our Swords, we will be able to take up our cross daily and SERVE You. We love You, Jesus. You took our cross so that we might wear Your crown. We lay our crowns at Your feet today. We want to be ACTIVE warriors for You. AMEN
About Teresa Bolme
Great introduction to the study this week, Teresa.
Over the last couple of days I have been thinking about a few Christian friends and how their walk is so different than mine (Lisa. “highly personalized directive”). Ultimately, we each have the same commission–“Active Service to the King.” However the Lord directs us as individuals, our commission is, to be the hands and feet–and voice of Jesus to those in our little corner of the world.
I add my “Amen” to your prayer.
We were all created with one purpose…relationship. How we carry that purpose out is dependent on our personalities and commitment. We get to be individuals, not carbon copies. I love that God chooses to give us a choice.
T I have no words. This is exactly what I needed to hear today. I love how God puts things in our life at just the right moment. Thanks for being obedient to His lead:)
God is faithful to meet us where we are. Your heart is special, you know. Love you, girl
Thank you, Teresa, for spelling this section out so clearly and with such challenge. Inspirational!!!!
You have been commissioned, now GO! Haha. We work together, for one purpose and one Lord. Let’s go!
i just love it that we don’t need to figure out WHAT to do…He will direct us in just the right way! thankful to be ACTIVELY SERVING the Master along with you! <3
We have reported for Active Service, haven’t we? I love walking this path with you, friend.
It is truly an honor to be chosen by Him and to be called to ACTIVE SERVICE! There is not much time left before our Lord returns! We need to get the Word out there!! Let’s march on Soldiers!!
That is our battle cry! We have our marching orders, so let’s go!