August 1, 2022

John 6: 38 (NIV)

“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”

If everyone could live as though they were in jeopardy of shortly dying . . . the world would be a much better place.*

I have never been on a short-term mission trip but I admire those who make the sacrifice of time and money – and often, modern conveniences – to share the gospel. Personally, time and money would not be the big sacrifice. I am very partial to AC, indoor plumbing, and privacy. Two factors could make the hardships more tolerable for me: 1) knowing that the conditions are temporary; 2) knowing that I am serving the Lord.

Jesus’ time on earth was similar to a short-term mission trip. It was a temporary assignment – he knew he would be returning home soon - and he was performing his Father’s will. These conditions had to appeal to him as a human. Perhaps reminding himself of these things helped him deal with the discomforts of his life on the road, the incompetence of his followers, and the bitterness of rejection.

Life on earth is the same for us. We are pilgrims – on temporary assignment for the Lord. We are not here to do our own will but the will of the one who sent us. We may become weary and discouraged but there are eternal consequences for the work that we do. How satisfying is that?

When we realize that the universe is moving toward God’s intended end, and that in history’s great culmination all of His good purposes will be fully realized, we are strengthened to live for Jesus now.*