When I make a trip to Home Depot, I have this silly fear of looking clueless in a store where real men know the difference between U-brackets and C-clamps and say things like, “Dude, the torque on that auger kills, bruh; get the 90 horsepower with solar super charge.”
Sometimes my own man-pride watches a YouTube video about how to fix a leak and then struts as confidently as possible through the plumbing aisle. But honestly, I get there and see 4 different options for O-rings, get confused, try to find another YouTube video on my phone, and silently hope an associate comes with gentle, knowledgeable mercy that says, “Can I help you?”
Oh, the wave of relief, even rescue. “I’m gonna make it. I’m not lost.”
One more thing I noticed at Home Depot. In October the Christmas decorations appeared, and then in January they disappeared. Now, in late February (at least here in Texas) the spring planting and gardening supplies appeared.
Home Depot is on their mission. They connect people to life’s needs.
If Home Depot has their act together for earthbound projects related to plumbing or gardening or decorating that will eventually be lost, left or destroyed, shouldn’t Christians gathered in churches have our act together even more?
Shouldn’t we connect people to the saving work of Jesus Christ that they truly need, and guide believers through this life and into eternal life?
Knowing your mission can make all the difference. Questions like, “Why are we here? What is our purpose?” are good mission questions. Moms have a mission when they go to Target. Businesses have a mission. I have changed my mission for hosting garage sales: instead of making money, now I want to just get rid of stuff. That different mission changes the entire approach and impact of the garage sale.
Jesus has clearly called his followers to a mission. And he backs it up with his promises. He has the authority to deliver us from sin and evil. And he is always with us, so that we never pursue his purposes alone.
Listen to his promises and also his purpose, or mission, for us in what is often called “The Great Commission.”
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).
We have work to do for Jesus and with Jesus!
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, your great commission calls us to make disciples. Clarify that mission for us. Ignite in our hearts a deeper passion for it. And bring baptism and teaching to many more people through us. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Two of the connecting words in Jesus’ great commission help us see the significance of his promises that empower us to follow his command. Those two words are “therefore” and “surely.”
