On Purpose

We have a wonderful gospel that we preach. It is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe (Rom 1:16). Yet so often we walk with that gospel haphazardly, and lose the intentionality of Jesus.

When reading of Jesus' ministry in the Gospels, it's vital to remember that He didn't minister on accidentally, but rather purposefully.

His view of His time of earth was to summed up in a word: MISSION. Jesus was a missionary. Do a study of the statements Jesus makes in the Gospels regarding His purpose for coming. Time and again Jesus says things like.

Mark 1:38 But He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth."

John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

John 12:27 Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour.

John 18:37 Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

Jesus, the Missionary, sent out by the Father, lived with intentionality and purpose. This is what He taught His disciples as well. They too lived with purpose. Acts 8 is extremely revealing.

Acts 8:1-4 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.

The church went out of Jerusalem (except for the Apostles) to the surrounding region, but notice that they went preaching the gospel. Circumstances caused them to change location, but the whole body of Christ had a sense of the mission to spread the Gospel. They walked with intentionality in their purpose, the shoes of the gospel on their feet and the Holy Spirit over-flowing their heart. Here we see the Master's reflection in the life of His disciples. May our Master see His reflection clearly in our gospel purposed lives.

John 20:21-22 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.