Dispatched by God

Daily Reading: Acts 26

I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. (Acts 26.17-18)

Devotional Thought: Paul had been sent by none other than God himself.  Because of that he boldly testified before King Agrippa.  We, too, can testify with boldness and without apology, for we have been dispatched by God.

We are dispatched by God to share four things:

·       Eyes can be opened:  Before anybody can believe in Jesus, they need to have their spiritual eyes opened.  This “step” is accomplished through us when we form genuine relationships with them and allow God to work through us.

·       Hearts can turn to God:  Opened eyes will quite naturally turn toward light. The same is true of our spiritual eyes.  Truth is very compelling, so we can confidently direct people to God and his Word.

·       Forgiveness is offered without us doing anything to earn it:  That's called grace!  People need to receive it.  That is called faith.  Ephesians 2.8-9 says it quite succinctly: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” 

·       There's a place for everyone:  Having received forgiveness, people are given a place among the sanctified and begin living the sanctified life.  It is essential that a new believer – one who has repented and received forgiveness – get connected to the body of Christ and learn to live as a child of God.

To whom have you been dispatched?  Go with boldness!

Prayer: Thank you, Father, that the privilege to open eyes and direct people to God has been given to me.  Help me to fulfill my calling, so that others may receive forgiveness and a place among your people.  In Jesus' name, amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 78.65-72

"Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, like a strong man shouting because of wine. And he put his adversaries to rout; he put them to everlasting shame. He rejected the tent of Joseph; he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim, but he chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which he loves. He built his sanctuary like the high heavens, like the earth, which he has founded forever. He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from following the nursing ewes he brought him to shepherd Jacob his people, Israel his inheritance. With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand."