DAY 3
Mission

DEVOTIONAL

by Jonathan Conrathe

On this final day of our fast, we are focussing on the subject of mission, which many would argue is the very heartbeat of the book of Romans. Right from the outset, Paul identifies himself as ‘a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God’ (Romans 1:1). Then, he boldly declares, ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.’ Romans 1:16. This introduction sets the tone for the entire letter, highlighting Paul's dedication to spreading the gospel. His sense of mission is rooted in his calling and commitment to proclaiming the good news to all people, reflecting the heart of God for the salvation of humanity.

There is so much we can learn from Paul as we continue on that same mission in our day. The first thing to notice is Paul’s CONFIDENCE in the power of the gospel. He has no doubt that the good news of Jesus is what everyone, everywhere needs more than anything else, and that this gospel has power – it works!

The second thing is that Paul is incredibly PASSIONATE about playing his part in seeing the gospel reach as many people as possible. He writes: ‘It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.’ Romans 15:20. This reveals his pioneering spirit and his desire to reach those who have never heard the name of Jesus.

Thirdly, he always acknowledges that mission is a PARTNERSHIP between us and God. He declares, ‘Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God.’ Romans 15:17-19. This is good news for all of us – we are never on our own in this mission, God is with us, and anything is possible through the power of the Spirit!

Fourthly and finally, we are called to a mission that embraces both WORDS and DEEDS. Paul asks, ‘How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?’ Romans 10:14-15. We must speak of the good news and we must also demonstrate it through the quality of our lives, ‘The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.’ Romans 13:12.