Why I Was Sent

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: Luke 4:42-44

42 Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them. 43 But he replied, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.” 44 So he continued to travel around, preaching in synagogues throughout Judea. (Luke 4:42-44 NLT)

Jesus was clear on his mission: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, 19 and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”  (Luke 4:18-19 NLT) He spent time alone praying, listening, and hearing the next step in the plan. “Because that is why I was sent!” There’s a mission, a task, and a timing. That is why I was sent!

For Jean and me there have been key times when God has been very clear with us on our broad mission and our specific task in the present season. God’s call to “shepherd the flock” was clear and profound. The challenge to sell our business and be “full time” in ministry was clear and timely. The challenge to plant a church a few years later was clear and timely. We took part time jobs for a season of getting the church established (was that going backwards?) Then came the challenge to move overseas as missionaries. The Bible Training Centre concept developed and for a decade and a half, that was the focus – In Jamaica, in the UK, in Africa.

Then a big change of focus. We took a sabbatical, then began serving in a church in the US and assisting in serving a District of the Foursquare Denomination. Somewhere in all that, I realized that I’ve had the tendency to stay with the last specific task longer than I should, and I’m slow to take the next step. God has always been patient with me in the process! Now we’re in a new season altogether.

In this season of life, we slow down, we make some changes. We need some flexibility. But we don’t always need to just stop doing the things that we’re good at, that help other people, and that give us a reason to get out of bed in the morning! There are still things old folks can do—mentoring, raising grandkids, volunteering at church or a helping agency, being good neighbors, sharing life experiences and lessons—so many things! Strength may fail but opportunities abound! Look for Jesus’ pattern: Quiet listening, careful hearing, faithful response.

Prayer:

Father, Please help us to be “season aware” as we go forward. Help us learn a pattern of quiet listening, carefully hearing, and faithful response. In Jesus’ Name.