This final chapter tells us (very briefly / succinctly) about Jesus’ resurrection, visits with some of His followers, and our great commission.
“…he appeared to the eleven… and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.’ ” (v14-18 abr)
Jesus has blessed and prepared us in many ways, and the are at least three key points here worth noting.
He calls us: Jesus has given His followers the mission of proclaiming the good news throughout the world, to all people. We are to share the good news of His death, resurrection, grace, mercy, and present/future kingdom. We are to invite more people into His glorious kingdom, and into an eternity of relationship with God our Creator.
He equips us: Jesus teaches us, and equips us with many signs and wonders, many words and good works that show we are ambassadors for Him. This equipping sets us apart from those who perform the signs and wonders of the world. We should look very different from those who do not follow Jesus, and that’s a good thing, because it glorifies God and encourages others to follow Christ.
He empowers us: Jesus empowers us through His Holy Spirit. It’s similar to equipping, except that we are given the authority and power to accomplish Jesus’ calling and live out His teaching. It’s one thing to assemble a lamp and put in a light bulb (equip it), it’s another to empower it (give it electricity) so it fulfills its purpose.
The calling, teaching, empowerment, and constant presence of God work together to accomplish Christ’s calling(s) in our lives. Let’s fully embrace these things and help build Jesus’ present and future kingdom, for God’s glory, and the salvation / discipleship of His people.
Father God, our Lord of Steadfast Love and Blessing, we praise Your holy and magnificent name. Thank you for Creating us in Your image, and entrusting us with some of Your work – the building of Your kingdom. May we fully embrace the calling, equipping, and empowerment You give us, and partner with You to bring more of Your image bearers into the kingdom. May every word and action be inspired by You as we walk the path of righteousness, in the name of Jesus, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training