Sent!

Sent!

John 20:21 AMP

[21] Then Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you [as My representatives].” 

At the time the words of the verse above were pronounced by Jesus, so many things had happened. Jesus had been arrested on false charges and put to death in a shameful way, at least by Jewish standards. The leaders of His day would have been rejoicing that they had seen the end of their arch-enemy, but little did they know that their problems were just starting. The crowd that stood by like a mob baying for His blood had now dispersed, and I am sure that many of them didn't know why they were there, or what their actions actually meant, but they all went with the popular vote at the time. Of course, the 11 disciples also saw what happened to their leader, after 1 of them had betrayed Jesus to the leaders at that time. You find different people at different times with differing experiences and conclusions in relation to the life of Jesus. Where do you fit in all these? 

When Jesus rose from the dead, His main focus at the time were His disciples. The Bible records several engagements with them as He sought to prepare them for the amazing assignments that were ahead of them. I note that there was really no long sermons for the Pharisees, Sadducees and teachers of the law as soon as Jesus rose from the dead. I note that after His resurrection, there was no direct advice to the crowd to repent and turn from their wicked ways, as He never had to address a crowd till He ascended to heaven. That clear mission to the crowd has now been given to His disciples; those who have walked with Him and are able to replicate the lessons and values of His life in other people. The clear message to those who follow Him, as laid out in the verse above, is that there is only one thing we need to be successful in the work He has commissioned us for, and that is His presence. 

His Presence is the only thing that counts. If I amass possessions and provisions, they will all have expiry dates. As long as it is the earth that gives you, it can also take it away after a while. The message of Jesus in the verse above is based on peace, the kind that only He can give and sustain. The world will not and cannot give you what it does not have. The world cannot produce a thing that is not consistent with its nature. Before the clear assignment comes the clear assurance of His presence, peace, provision, protection and power. We also have this amazing situation of ambassadorship, where we represent our Lord and Saviour wherever we show up. I do not belittle the assurance of the presence of God. He is all I need for all that I have to do. How do I impact lives without the help of the Prince of Peace? How do I help others outside the influence of the Help of Israel? I am sent by the Great King; I am backed up by His power. How am I discharging my responsibility? God's time of favour is here.