I read a verse in Colossians this week that just struck a cord in me, Chapter one “20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” I love the imagery in the wording of this scripture. When I think of peace words like good will, harmony, and reconciliation come to my mind. It was a sacrifice of Jesus’ own holy blood that would bring us assurance, grace, and mercy. It was by His blood we could have an eternal home when this tent is destroyed. I don’t know about you but I couldn’t live without the hope of these things in my life. So if God’s son sacrificed by giving His life then what should we be willing to do?
Have you ever said I wish I knew what God wanted me to do? I wish I had a calling from God? Even worse, maybe you have said I don't really feel called to anything. I am writing today with some news to rock your world! If you are a Christian you are called!! The Lord ask us, “Will you lay down your life for My sake?” (John 13:38). We may answer eagerly of course I will, but let us review the words of Peter. Peter assuredly answered, "Yes I will lay down my life for you." He was so sure of himself. Therefore, the words of Jesus probably took the breath from him. "38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times." It is much easier to die than to lay down your life day in and day out with the sense of the high calling of God. We are not made for the bright-shining moments of life, but are called to walk out what we might consider the mundanes of life. God calls us to many struggles, and sacrifices along the way for His Glory. Here are some ways God calls us to be ambassadors and lay down our life for Him daily.
Mathew 25:31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne..... 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
God in His sovereign knowledge left us the Bible full of commandments for us to carry out as ambassadors for Him. If we see a need it is our responsibility to try to help to the best of our ability. If we see someone without food, we give it. If we see someone who has tattered clothes we clothe them. If they are thirsty we provide something to drink. If their parents abandon them we help provide shelter by adoption, or supporting them financially. If people are in prison we should visit them with the Word. If a widow has no one to help we should provide.
I am going to show you a video I found about a month ago that has radically changed my whole outlook on church, missions, and my calling. In this video he says, "But if you won't do it- then who will? The NEED is the CALL!” This just gives me goose bumps. His point is that if there is a need in front of you then it IS your calling from God to be obedient. It is your call to be His ambassador. He says basically if your faced with a need, why would you pray for God to send someone else, when you are standing directly in front of the need? The truth is we use the statement I don't feel called way too much. It is not about what we want, or what we like, but about being obedient to meet the need God has placed before us. Here is another statement from the video, "Partial Disobedience- Is COMPLETE Disobedience." If God calls you to the mission field, but you send money instead- you are living in COMPLETE Disobedience. God didn't want your money- He wanted you. If God is calling you to adopt a sweet orphan and you sponsor a child instead- you are in COMPLETE Disobedience. God did not want your money, he wanted you to give a child a home. God wants all or nothing. He doesn't want what we feel like, what we like, or what is convenient; He wants 100% of our heart fully surrendered to His call. He wants us to take our role as Ambassadors seriously, and be diligent about meeting needs around us. The saying is, "You are the only Jesus some people will ever see!" Ask yourself this question, "If you were the only ambassodor for Christ at this moment, what would people say about who Jesus is? However you answer this question, good or bad, it is affecting people around you daily!
So as you watch the video remember The Need is Your Calling! IF You Won’t Do It- Who Will ????