Your Mission, Too

When NASA put the first man into orbit around the earth the astronauts insisted on having a window in their capsule. NASA said it would be dangerous, but the astronauts prevailed, and on that first historic journey they saw the earth from a new perspective. 

Something similar is happening as Jesus instructs his disciples prior to his ascension. In order to carry out their mission, they need a change of perspective: a global perspective, and so do we. Luke’s opening words describe a powerful sequence of events that should change the horizon for every disciple. First, the sustained appearances of the resurrected Jesus over six weeks (3) must have had its impact on them. We, too, trust and obey the resurrected Lord who has all authority. Second, he changed their narrow nation-focused agenda to one which moved beyond Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth (6-8). Like them, we are commissioned to herald the good news throughout the world. 

Third, no disciple can engage in that overwhelming task without first receiving the Holy Spirit’s power (4,5,8). He is the one who transforms cautious disciples and equips us for our global mission. Lastly, the ultimate horizon on which our eyes are set will be the return of “this same Jesus” (11). Here’s the perspective we need: Christian mission continues until that day when history finally comes to a close, and Jesus returns.

As we reflect on our own calling, these four themes transform our perspective: Jesus is the risen and ascended Lord who sends us to the whole world, equipped by his Spirit, to witness to him until the day he returns. This is the story of Acts, the story of mission, and the story of our lives.

Does your life need some realignment in the light of this mandate? If so, pray for the Spirit’s help to set you on a new trajectory.