Bible Passage: “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20)
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:10
David Livingstone was a 19th-century Scottish doctor, devout Christian, and bold missionary who left the comfort and wealth of his position in his homeland to explore Africa and bring the Gospel there.
On his journeys, he encountered many dangers, illnesses, and violence, but pioneered and persevered through the challenges out of his deep love for God and his passionate desire to see the Gospel spread.
He ultimately died deep in the heart of Africa of diseases that generally don’t exist back in England; those who knew him said that this was exactly where he’d want to die.
Men admire men like Livingstone for many reasons.
He could have lived a life of comfort and respect back home, but he abandoned it all and chose a much harder life for the sake of a much greater cause.
He persevered through trials and risked everything to do good in this world and to obey God.
He was faithful to his calling, even laying down his life in service to the Lord.
He was a man on a mission. And the death and resurrection of Christ—His mission—calls and strengthens every man to his own mission.
Livingstone found his.
Are you living yours?
Beyond the broad calling that all men have to walk with God, use their skills, work hard, serve others, and perhaps lead a family, are you “on mission” to obey God, no matter the cost?
Are you walking with Him to the point where you have no choice but to trust Him?
Are you obedient to the point where nothing you have is really “yours” and you would give it all up to obey?
Are you putting Him and His Gospel first in your life, faithfully spreading it, whatever it may cost you?
And I’m guessing for most men, we can’t answer “yes” to all of these questions.
Livingstone is both inspiring and challenging; good to aim for, but a little frustrating to set the bar so high!
But Christ has raised you to life for a mission, and He strengthens you for that mission (Ephesians 2:10). Not every man is called to leave it all for Africa like Livingstone did, but every man is called to something.
So what is your mission?
If you’re not sure, it’s time to start asking Him.
And if you are, it’s time to live it out, all in, like Livingstone.
Prayer: Lord, show me my mission! Show me what You are calling me to and what You are strengthening me for. And help me to live it out faithfully, trusting You and walking with You in it. Amen.
Reflection: As already asked: What is your mission? And how are you living it out? And how might you live it out even more?
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