God the Father Sends
Scripture Reading — John 20:19-23
"As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." John 20:21
In the Old Testament we find many stories about God visiting his people or sending someone to them when they are in need. As one of my professors once said, "In every other religion people must go to their temple, a shrine, or some other holy site in order to meet their gods, but the God of the Bible goes to the people." God often sent prophets and angels, and finally God sent his own Son, Jesus.
God is still in the business of sending--whether it's across the room or around the world. Whenever we pluck up the courage to serve a neighbor in need or welcome a stranger, we go with the backing of the sending God.
The Father sent Jesus. Now Jesus sends you and me--even in our most ordinary garb and simple personalities. We may not be silver-tongued or exceptionally gifted, but we all have something to give--a skill or talent to share in Christ's name.
God does not wait for people to come to him. He goes to them. So, too, we must go. Knowing God's sending heart helps us overcome our natural reluctance to take the initiative. How about taking a little time today to visit a neighbor? Or maybe you can spend an extra five minutes with a coworker, or pick up the phone and call someone. You may be God's messenger to that person.
Lord, make us sensitive to the needs of people around us, and give us the faith to see that we might be the very ones you want to use to help them. In Jesus' name, Amen.
About the author — Tim Holwerda
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!