Missions Week Devotion by Barbara Baker
Good morning! Today our Lord is speaking to us in 2 Corinthians 5:17-18:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.”
2 Corinthians 5:17-18
We were estranged from God when Adam and Eve rebelled in the Garden of Eden. Before the beginning of time, Almighty God knew our innate weaknesses and planned the ultimate reconciliation, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Woven into the annals of the Old Testament are promise after promise of the coming Messiah, the King of Royal Lineage who would reunite mankind with our Maker. The shed blood of Jesus restored us to a right relationship with our Triune God. Once and for all those who believe and declare Him Lord are held in the palm of His hand and proclaimed children of the God Most High.
These verses that Paul penned to the Corinthian church call us to the ministry of reconciliation. As redeemed offspring, we are to do more than teach doctrine and attend regular worship services. When we abide in Christ, spend time in His Word and seek His voice, we are compelled to share with anyone who will listen to the joyous Gospel—the encouragement and truth of how mankind has been reconciled with God forever. We have the privilege of holding the hands of a lost soul and pouring into their shattered hearts the Good News that God’s grace and mercy have covered every sin with the blood of Jesus. Forgiveness and unconditional love are free gifts as we are reunited with our Lord.
My husband and I have so many stories of ministry and have been blessed to be used by the Lord in the day-to-day lives of untold numbers over the years. One special moment that comes to mind was just a few years ago. My husband would drive the truck and trash trailer for our small construction company to the dump. Due to his back condition, he would take a helper along to do the heavy lifting.
We hired laborers from rehab programs, halfway houses, and church outreach events—guys with needs. This time, my husband was driving and sharing Jesus expecting the usual harsh responses, or silence, but was blessed when the man asked him to pray with him. The ministry of reconciliation took place at the dump in the cab of our beat-up old Ford pickup. Wherever God puts us in our everyday life is a perfect place to share the Gospel.
Lord God, please grant us the courage and Your words to share the truth of Jesus on the Cross and the redemption that is ours in His precious Blood. Guide us to be missionaries in our own world every day.
Jesus loves you! Me, too!