God's Love for the WorldSample

Our Old Testament was arranged in three parts in Jesus’ day. ‘The Law’ was the first five books - Genesis to Deuteronomy. ‘The Prophets’ included more than you might expect – not just Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the Minor Prophets, but also the historical books from Joshua to 2 Kings (except Ruth). Everything else was ‘the Writings’, books like the Psalms, Daniel, and Esther.

Jesus says all of these books tell us about him. He opens the minds of his disciples to understand the scriptures. His summary is ‘The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.’

The Gospels end with Jesus commissioning his followers to go and make disciples of every nation. This is God’s mission, which Jesus directed us to join in with after he won our redemption on the cross. This mission did not start at the end of the gospels though. God has always been at work to free the world from sin and death. All through the Law, the Prophets and the Writings, the redeeming work of Jesus is signposted. Since God began speaking with humanity, he has been calling us to believe in Jesus, turn away from sin, and be heralds of the divine king of all nations.

The mission of God requires the power of God. Jesus tells his disciples to wait until they have been clothed with power from above. Our heavenly Father will give us what we are lacking for the task he has shared with us. Power from above will rain down in the person of the Holy Spirit on whoever asks.

Are you excited about this honourable work? Or are you in two minds, weighing up the costs? Joining in with God’s mission has its challenges, but none that will drain the power of the Holy Spirit. When we resolve to pour ourselves out in love, we find ourselves overflowing with power from above.

What opportunities will you take this week to share Jesus with the world? Pray that you would have the courage to take these opportunities, and that the power of the Spirit would work through you to turn people from death to life.