Family Bible Series for April 23: Preparation for life’s mission is essential

Posted: 4/11/06

Family Bible Series for April 23

Preparation for life’s mission is essential

• Acts 1:1-14

By Greg Ammons

First Baptist Church, Garland

Peter Drucker died last year after an influential career. The Austrian economist and author wrote 31 books and served various businesses as a consultant. He once said there were three aspects to any successful mission: You must evaluate your strengths, recognize the opportunities before you and determine what you really believe. Commitment to these three principles will determine the success of your mission.

As believers in a risen Lord, we have the responsibility of being on mission, just like Jesus. The success of our mission will be determined by our commitment to the task. We must evaluate our strengths, recognize our opportunities and believe fully in the message of our Lord.

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Jesus’ mission (Acts 1:1-3)

Jesus had been obedient and faithful to his Father. He went to the cross willingly and laid down his life for our sins. He had a clear mission, and nothing deterred him from it. On the third day, he arose victorious.

The resurrection of Jesus was marvelous. The disciples were overjoyed to encounter him. Yet, he made it clear his mission was not complete.

After his resurrection, Luke recorded what Jesus said and did during the 40 days before his ascension back to heaven. He said Jesus appeared and gave many convincing proofs he was alive (v. 3). He also spoke about the kingdom of God. It was clear his mission had not ended.

C.T. Studd served as a missionary to several countries during the late 1800s. He once said: “Some wish to live within the sound of a church or chapel bell. I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.” Jesus’ mission was aggressive as well. He did not play it safe. He encountered death, hell and sin while stopping short of nothing to secure our salvation. Christians should praise God for a Savior who allowed nothing to keep him from his mission.

My mission (Acts 1:4-8)

Not only did Jesus continue on mission after the resurrection, he also commissioned his disciples. He had a task for them, and it was to be a continuation of his work. On one occasion while he was eating with the disciples, Jesus gave them the command not to leave Jerusalem but wait for the gift the Father had promised (v. 4). He was speaking about the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

Later, the disciples asked Jesus if he was going to restore the kingdom of God at the present time (v. 6). He replied that it was not for them to know the times or dates, but they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came (1:7-8). The disciples had the mission of being Jesus’ witnesses beginning in Jerusalem and extending worldwide.

Each believer in Jesus today has the same commission from our Lord. We are to be witnesses for him in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are to begin where God has placed us, but extend our witness worldwide.

Sadly, only 10 percent of believers today pray for missions in a systematic way and on a regular basis. Only 1 percent of Christians ever engage in some type of cross-cultural mission endeavor. May each of us commit to fulfill the mission God has prepared for us, whether that mission takes us across the street or around the world.

Preparing for my mission (Acts 1:9-14)

After Jesus promised the Holy Spirit’s empowering, he was taken up to heaven before the disciples eyes. Then, he was hidden by a cloud (v. 9). While the disciples gazed into heaven, two angels appeared to them and assured the men Jesus would return again some day, just as he left (v. 11). In obedience to their Lord, the disciples returned to Jerusalem and remained in the Upper Room until Pentecost (v. 12). They joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women, Mary and Jesus’ brothers (v. 14).

The disciples literally shook the first-century world for Christ in the days ahead. God used them powerfully as they fulfilled the mission Jesus left for them. Yet before they did so, they prepared for their work through prayer and obedience. God may have you preparing now for a greater work. If so, the best preparation for your work comes through faithful prayer and complete obedience.

Just over a decade ago, George Scott desired to serve Christ in China. Yet, the Scottish school teacher had only one leg. Scott approached J. Hudson Taylor and asked if he could go to China and help him in is work. Taylor asked, “With only one leg, why do you think of going as a missionary?” Scott replied, “Because I don’t see those with two legs going.” Taylor accepted Scott to serve with him in China.

God has a mission for each of us. As we reflect upon Jesus’ mission and our mission, may we prepare by using the resources God has given to us to the best of our ability. We are responsible for sharing his good news.

Discussion questions

• Which aspect of Jesus’ mission do you feel was the most difficult?

• Do you pray for missions on a regular basis?

• How is God preparing you for what he desires of your life?