The Bible frequently speaks of the responsibilities given to those who follow Jesus. But there is one assignment given that is so large, so all encompassing, that every other commission aligns its purpose to the fulfilment of that one. Perhaps we could call the other assignments sub-points to one major point. Each commission is vital and important because it serves the greater purpose. And the fulfilment is the realisation of God’s dream through the cooperation of those made in His image. God’s dream includes our redemption but it is as big as ‘may it be on earth as it is in heaven’.
The Bible frequently speaks of the responsibilities given to those who follow Jesus. But there is one assignment given that is so large, so all encompassing, that every other commission aligns its purpose to the fulfilment of that one. Perhaps we could call the other assignments sub-points to one major point. Each commission is vital and important because it serves the greater purpose. And the fulfilment is the realisation of God’s dream through the cooperation of those made in His image. God’s dream includes our redemption but it is as big as ‘may it be on earth as it is in heaven’.
Our assignment as believers is a mandated focus on God’s dream. This becomes most evident in the discovery that our commission is to pray. And that prayer has a specific focus that is to become a vital part of our fellowship with God. Simply put, in the context of drawing near to our Father in worship and interaction, we are to lift up our voices, declaring, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10 NIV).
The assignments to evangelize, to work miracles, to care for the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the like are all practical expressions of this one major task—God’s will fully manifest here, with Heaven as its source, model, and inspiration.
This task is not possible if we only discover the principles of God and follow them. Heaven itself thrives on the presence of God. Our commission is only possible with the increase of the overwhelming atmosphere of the glory of God that increases as we pray our assignment with faith. Those prayers must be followed with the risks necessary to display His will on earth. If there is any confusion on what that will looks like, look at how Jesus displayed the heart of His Father in His interaction with people in need, namely by eradicating disease, torment, and sin.
Jesus Christ is perfect theology. And it is our privilege to illustrate the same reality that Jesus carried. Jesus declared it so when He said, “As the Father sent me, I send you” (John 20:21 MSG).
adapted from ‘The Way of Life’ Ch 1. by Bill Jonson