Daily Devotional

A number of students, leaders, and I recently got back from a short-term mission trip to the Nogales Baptist Seminary in Nogales, Mexico. The team was involved in several work projects that included the relocation of a few water tanks, the reshingling of a couple of roofs, some concrete work, and the cleaning/organization of a few of their indoor facilities. As a team, we also helped teach Sunday School to children, led worship in Spanish and English during a mid-week Bible Study, led gospel-centered craft projects with some of the children, and even preached the gospel in a nearby prison. Whether or not you’ve been able to participate in short or long-term missions work, one undeniable thing is God’s choosing us to partner with Him in His work around the world. Throughout the Bible, but especially in the Book of Acts, we see that our God is a sending God.

For our model example of this, we look no further than the incarnation. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Himself was sent. What’s the most famous verse in the Bible? John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He...what? He GAVE His only Son. He was sent. He came on mission. In Luke 4:43, the Bible says, “But he said, 'I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.’” Then in John 12:49, Jesus says, "For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken." Jesus was sent. God Himself left His place of glory, took on flesh, and dwelt among people to reveal God’s goodness and His plan to redeem them. That plan includes sending and supporting.

In the passage in Acts, the Holy Spirit instructed the church to set apart Barnabas and Paul for the work God had called them to do. God separated these two men from the normal rhythms of their church life in Antioch for something else. It's important to remember that the Lord continues to call and set apart those whom He has work for. May we never forget to pray and fast for those the Lord has called and set apart. Not everyone is called to go, but everyone is to be a part of the sending and supporting, and I am grateful for a church that doesn’t take that responsibility lightly.

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.