The Apostle Paul had an interesting way of teaching. Often he made a grand statement that appeared to be the lesson by itself. But then he would add a comment here and there, not merely as support, but to provide something new. For example…

Paul wrote, God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him. ¹ Jesus had already said, Whoever has my commands and obeys them is the one who loves me. ² So the lesson is God works for the good of His people…right?

Then Paul added a bit more about these God lovers. They are called by God according to the purpose He has for them. Did you get that? Every one of them has been called by God for a purpose, an assignment…a mission. But what could it be?

Those who were not told of Him will see.

Several chapters later we find another grand statement: Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. ³ So the mission is to proudly rejoice in our…mission? Not quite. There’s more.

I will speak of what Christ has accomplished through me…by what I have said and done, by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Holy Spirit. ⁴ Then Paul adds, As it is written “Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.”  ⁵

Paul’s calling was to be an evangelist, but his primary mission was the same as ours today: Live in such a way that those who do not know Jesus will see Him in what we say and do, all by the power of God’s Spirit working through us, and they will understand…He loves them.

Those who have not heard will understand.

We are not all called to the same role, but we all have been called to follow Jesus and live as He taught us to live. That can be difficult. Love my neighbor? Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer? Seriously? Yes, and there’s much more to this.

We are commanded to love and encourage one another, not only to strengthen us, but to be seen by people who have never been told about Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit they will see Him. And in that love and encouragement, they will understand. I wonder…do we?

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.⁶

 

Ciloa Forever!

 

Chuck

 

 

Chuck Graham is Founder and Executive Director of Ciloa, an international ministry devoted to encouraging others and teaching them how to encourage one another. He is also an author and speaker. Chuck and his wife, Beverly, live in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. Learn more about Chuck and Ciloa at www.Ciloa.org.

 

Footnotes: (1) Read Romans 8:28. (2) Read John 14:21. (3) Read Romans 15:17. (4) Read Romans 15:18-19a. (5) Read Romans 15:21. (6) Read Romans 12:12.

Pictures: Banner: . (1) What is my Mission?, from the blog “What is my Mission”, 3-13-2019, BibleOffline.com. (2) Romans 15:21, creator unknown. (3) John 13:35, WellspringChristianMinistries.org.