The Risen Christ Brings Purpose

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Jesus brought them peace. He brought them joy. And then in John 20:21, we read again, Jesus said, "Peace be with you." Then He said, "As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you."

Peace and Purpose

The risen Christ gives the disciples a purpose. They'd been sitting around feeling sorry for themselves with good reason. Jesus comes along, gives them peace and joy, and then He gives them something to do.

The Christian faith has never been a "sit on your hands while others do the work" faith. We often focus so much on God's love for us—which we should do—that we forget what an amazing honor it is that God calls us to work for Him. We forget what a gift that is. We see it as a burden. We want to sit and enjoy the fact that God loves and forgives us, and that's where our faith ends.

But that was never the case with the people who encountered Jesus. He not only loved them, He sent them—sent them into the world to shine His light and make His good news known.

Sent With a Mission

Your purpose in life, friends, is not just to bask in His love. That is a wonderful gift, but if you hear the words "I love you" and ignore the words "I'm sending you," perhaps you never understood the "I love you" bit in the first place!

If you want the peace of Christ, if you want the joy of Christ of which we've spoken, go for Him. Respond to Him, hear His call on your life, and do what you can to share Him with the world.

Discovering Your Calling

Of course, for each of us, that's different. We've each got our own gifting, our own passions, and God wants us to use those things for His glory. In fact, if you've never read the book Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, have a look at that book because it really helps you figure out how God might be calling you to use what He's given you—for His glory.

If you've got no idea what God is calling you to do, have coffee with a minister. Give me a call. I'd love to chat to you about it. You're welcome to do that.

But know this: whoever you are, whatever God has created you to be, you're in this world to be sent for Jesus. And remember what Jesus did. He loved people. He set people free. He taught them the truth. He cared for people that nobody else cared for. He pointed them to God. You and I can do the same in many, many ways by telling them about Him and by showing people who He is through our actions.

Go this week, friends. You have a great purpose in Christ. Hear the words of Jesus: "Just as the Father sent Me, I am sending you." In whatever situation you find yourself in, do what you can to show Jesus and to love like Jesus. Surely the world will be a better place if we all do that wherever we are.