Gifts for Your Mission
by Kat Clark
“On one occasion, while He (Jesus) was eating with them, He gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.’” –Acts 1:4
On many occasions in the Gospel, Jesus appears to the disciples after His death and resurrection. Jesus kept His promise to return after three days in the grave. He promised that His death on the cross was not the end. God always keeps His promises.
Jesus also brings the disciples a mission to complete. He tells them to stay in Jerusalem until the gift God promised came to pass. In John 20:23 when Jesus appears to the disciples in the locked room, He brings them peace and advises them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” Jesus is giving the disciples the mission to go forth and spread the Gospel, acting as His hands, feet, and voice.
Jesus does not leave the disciples to complete their mission alone. He equips them with a gift from the Father that will give them the ability to carry out His plan. The disciples’ job is to receive the gift: “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). The disciples receive a gift from God given by Jesus. They are not to put this gift away on a shelf; they are to use it to carry out their mission.
We are all given a mission from God. To discern this mission, we must remain close to Jesus and He will make it clear. Just like the disciples, we are not sent out ill-equipped. We are also given the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, we receive our own unique spiritual gifts. It is our job to receive our gifts and use them to complete our mission. Through our obedience, we will see the promises of God unfold. We are to do our job, and God will do His job.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit and the subsequent spiritual gifts we receive. Our hands are open to receive the gifts delivered by Jesus. Please guide our steps and help us discern our mission so we may be the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus until our final journey to our Heavenly home. In Your Mighty Name, Amen.