As Christians we have a commission. It’s a word that means “with a mission.”

Whenever we use language like this the first thing we often think about is the “great commission” in Matthew 28 to go and make disciples of all nations.

But there is a lesser-known commission in John 20:21-22. Jesus said: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Just as Jesus was sent into the world, so he sends his followers into the world to continue his message and work in the power of the Spirit.

Today I want to encourage you to be an “ordinary mission.” When we think of a missionary, we usually think of someone who has travelled to a faraway country to do certain kinds of ministry. And those people certainly are missionaries. I thank God for them. But we are naïve if we think that the mission field is only in countries not our own.

Several years ago a friend of mine was in Toronto. Someone approached them on the street and asked them if they would like to hear about Jesus. As it turns out, this person was sent from another country specifically to Canada because genuine belief in Christ is so rare!

What if God was sending you not to a place you’ve never been, to but a place you’re already in?

You have circles of influence—in your household, friend circle, work, school, retirement community, online network, and extended family. The blessings of hope, peace, love and faith in Jesus are never not needed.

Be an ordinary missionary.

What if God was sending you not to a place you’ve never been, to but a place you’re already in?

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Notes:

–“Ordinary Missionary.” Sermon. April 16, 2023. Click here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.