SENT PEOPLE
It’s Maundy Thursday, friends! Spring is in full bloom and I am soaking in every drop of sweet Alabama sunshine in between rain (not to mention 4am storm wake-up calls). This Lent season has been the fastest whirlwind of senior year of college ending, and a new season of life post-graduation beginning. Easter comes later this year than usual – – just a few short weeks before all the graduation festivities. But I’m glad, because I am reminded through this Lent and graduation season that we are a sent people. Yes, we are sent by God to go out into the world and do the works He planned for us to do. We are sent because He sent Jesus. During Easter we press into all Christ has done for us and all He has prepared for us.
Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will comes and make our home with each of them.” -John 15:23
Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them, so they can be made holy by your truth. -John 17:17-18
Yes I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me and I in them will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. -John 15:5
Jesus is our home – – our starting place. The Spirit lives inside of us because we love Him, and is with us no matter where we go. These words are so comforting for starting a new chapter in life. These words are wonderfully different for each of our unique stories but united by a common truth: God goes before us to prepare a way for us. Just as He sent Jesus into the world, we are sent into the world too. We are sent to share the home we have in God so He can bring all His children there! Living as a sent person looks different for everyone, thank goodness. We are free from comparison because we are each sent with individual gifts! We can celebrate and encourage one another in these unique gifts, working together for the God who works for His glory and our good.
And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” -Mark 16:15
Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly father. -Matthew 5:14
Easter tells our story of redemption – – the victory is already won! Now we are sent out to share the good news with others, letting God’s light shine through us. We are called to be good stewards of the relationships, opportunities, and gifts God has given. Now we can cultivate opportunities for others to foster the same light to shine for God through them!