A different commission
Acts 9:1~15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. (15) Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #449 When We Walk with the Lord (#377 in previous version) People have their own reasons and purpose for living. Some people live to achieve success, and others live to fill their lives with fun and pleasure. For most people, the focus is on living well and being happy. But there are still others who live with a different commission—so much so that they are willing to let go of their prestige or their lives. We are children of God. Children of God must live their lives with a God-given commission other people do not possess. How can we realize the commission given to children of God?
1. A different level
The standards of the world are based on material things, whether it be determining success or happiness. The higher the level, the more it seeks a mental aspect of happiness. Paul, who possessed a different commission, had a different way of thinking. Paul considered intellect, prestige and success- all things desired by the world- to be rubbish and only wanted to discover Jesus Christ. Additionally, whether poor or wealthy, he confessed that he found everything he needed in Christ. And like Paul, we need to have a different commission in which we discover true value within Christ.
2. A different mystery
Paul was a child of God just like we are, and had a different mystery. He saw the field in which the Gospel had been turned into a shell of religiosity. Additionally, he possessed the commission through which he was able to see and save those in Macedonia who had fallen into the culture of idolatry and fortune telling. Not only that, Paul was able to see the field in Rome that was be destroyed by war even as it exerted influence in the entire world. We need to also possess a different mystery so that like Paul, we can see a field that needs the Gospel.
3. A different strength
If we have a different mystery, we will gain a different strength. But the most important thing is the power of prayer. When we see a dying field, we should not be able to help praying for it. It is within this prayer that God gives power to the evangelist. If there is even just one person who has God-given strength, the culture of the field will be different. Additionally, no matter where we go, we will be able to gain this unique strength.
- For what do we live our lives? Pray to discover a different mystery from everyone else as well as to live your lives with a different commission. New Believer Retreat/ 2012. 5. 22