December 16

Ambassadors For Christ

You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. — John 15:16 BSB

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” — Matt 28:18-20 BSB

It is a profound moment to hear these words from our Lord, especially when we recall what the Devil said to Him at the beginning of His ministry (Luke 4:6). Clearly, the scepter has been taken from the prince of this world. Our Lord is supreme in heaven and just as supreme on earth. He holds authority over the winds and waves, over the natural world and its laws, over the riches of the earth and the harvests, and over the minds and souls of all people—those He purchased with His precious blood. Understanding that the entire world belongs to Him, both by creation and redemption, makes it easier to obey His commands. Wherever we go in this vast world, we are still in His domain.

Notice how Christ insists that His disciples be taught to observe all His commands (Matthew 28:20). He chose the Apostles not just for their own obedience, but to teach others to obey as well. Obedience is the key to spiritual growth and blessing. Let us first resolve to observe everything the Master has commanded, and second, to teach others to do the same. Whenever the task feels overwhelming, we must remember His precious promise that He is with us always—“all the days,” as one translation puts it. No day will come with demands or duties that He is not there to help us with, to support us with His strength, and to inspire us with the light of His face.

The Christian life comes down to this: how much are you willing to obey Christ? If you refuse, you close yourself off to His best, for He can do nothing for you or with you. But if you surrender to obedience, there is no limit to the usefulness and blessing that will follow (Genesis 18:18-19). To live this way, we must abide in Him, allowing His words to dwell in us through meditation and prayer. Then obedience becomes less of a burden and more of a natural outcome of a life overflowing with His grace.

Prayer

Help us to abide in our calling with You, to sense Your presence in every place. May we realize that every place can be a temple, every duty an act of service, and that we are part of Your great host, doing Your will and heeding the voice of Your word. Amen.