The Noble Slave
On What Authority?
How Do You Carry Yourself?
Have you felt squeamish or sheepish when you considered inviting someone to church or sharing the Gospel with someone?
If you’ve ever even considered doing this, or been challenged by a pastor or friend, then you’ve certainly felt the tinge of anxiety creep in. Do I know what to say? What if they have questions? What if I look foolish? What if they hate me? What if they light me on fire? Okay that last one is hyperbolic, at least for us in the States. But it begs the question: on what authority are we doing this work?
If we go out on our own authority, it all depends on us. You’re banking on your own ability to sweet talk someone into heaven. If you fumble, well you blew it and now you get to deal with the fallout.
If we go out on an alien authority (foreign to us not UFO), then you are nearly taken out of the equation. If someone rejects you, it’s not you but Christ they reject. If it’s not your silver tongue, but the foolishness of the Gospel, the message of death to the dying but life to those being saved, then it’s out of your hands.
Yesterday I shared an illustration of confidence in the authority that sends us out. When a child is given the charge to inform their siblings of an Edict from the Patriarch, they become unstoppable. Chest puffed out, bold in their proclamation to their siblings. They feel that confidence not because they can enforce any parental instruction but rather in the authority they were sent out in. Oh how I wish we all went out with that same confidence.
Two things we must consider.
First, we are surrounded by those who are on track to face immanent judgement. Eternal judgment for their wicked rebellion against God. They will stand before the Lord and give an account. Shall we let them charge us with silence as they drew close to judgment? Will we be found negligent of our duties, like a voice crying out in the wilderness, warning of the coming wrath?
Second, we have been sent out in authority. What kind of authority? Only the authority of the one who rules heaven and earth. The Redeemer-King of Creation Jesus Christ. If we lose sight of Christ, we will tremble at the task. If we can fix our hearts, our whole person, on our King and His authority, then perhaps we too can strut into the task we’ve been called to do with the confidence of a four year old on a mission from dad.
SUNDAY SERMON
We pick up the witness of John the Baptizer as he is engaged by the Jewish consort. Listen in to see how he made much of Christ as he stood firm in the authority he was given.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Pray for our dear sister Linda as she’s been having back pain. She’s a wonderful gift to our body!
Pray for our brother Brandon who will be needing to find new employment before the end of the year.
Pray that the Lord stirs in the hearts of faithful brothers and sisters to join us in this work of building the church on Christ.
Pray for me to be given opportunities to meet with those in the community and continue to make Gospel connections.
