Grace and Apostleship

Do you friends know that I have a deep love for coffee shops? Really for coffee in general but I so very much love sitting in a busy coffee shop surrounded by people and having an intimate moment with my Savior.

Today as I'm sitting in one of my favorite coffee shops, the Lord spoke deeply to my heart.

"Through him {Jesus} and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ" - Romans 1:5-6

For the glory of God, we received grace and apostleship. Our grace is not one of consumerism, but of service. We were not saved with a "get out of Hell free" card, but with a specific purpose and mission.

We were saved for the glory of God- to reveal his character to the nations (this is the same word -ethnos- as Gentiles in the verse above). We were given grace not for our sake but for "his name's sake".

We were given grace to live as apostles. To live as "one who is sent by authority with a commission".

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 everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" - Matthew 28:18-20

We are sent by the ultimate authority, Jesus, with the ultimate commission, to partner with God in his plan of global redemption.

Jesus thank you for the beautiful reminder that my life is not about me, but about living for your glory. Thank you for giving me grace and choosing me to participate in your plan. Thank you for giving me purpose. Thank you that I know you are always with me, even to the very end of the age. I pray that I use the grace I don't deserve, yet you lavished upon me for your name's sake. For you alone are worthy.


Linking up with my sweet friend Laura