Day 31: The New Creation in Jesus
2 Corinthians 5:17
Jesus is on mission, and He has invited us to partner with Him on that mission. Our role in His redemptive mission is to make disciples who make disciples. An essential part of being a disciple is understanding that each of us has been called by the Lord (see Rom. 8:28–30).
We have been called from, and we have been called to. The Apostle Paul poignantly makes this reality clear: “If we are in Christ, the old is gone; the new has come” (2 Cor. 5:17). Through the redemptive, regenerative, ongoing, and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, the old things from the kingdom of darkness are gone, and we are called into the Kingdom of light. We have been called from slaves to the sinful nature into freedom in Christ—from being objects of God’s wrath to citizens of God’s Kingdom.
The list of what we have been called from and what we have been called to is long and beautiful. It boils down to an issue of identity—who I was and who I am. May we continually walk in victory over the old things that we have been called from and live joyfully and abundantly in the new things that we have been called to. It is from that place, our calling into a new identity, that we most effectively partner with our Savior in the message and ministry of reconciliation as His ambassadors (see 2 Cor. 5:18–20).
Reflection Prayer
Lord, we are humbled that You would graciously call us to Yourself. We are grateful for the things that You have called us from. Holy Spirit, we ask that You would divinely enable us to live into all that You have called us to. As citizens in Your Kingdom, may we be useful instruments in Your hands for the accomplishment of Your redemptive purposes in our homes, our neighborhoods, our communities, and around the globe. Amen.
Week 5: Christ and His Mission
Matthew 28:19-20
As we focus on the life of Christ, this week’s theme is Christ and His Mission. The primary mission of Jesus was to save humankind from sin and eternal condemnation by offering Himself as the atoning sacrifice. As part of His mission, He extended His sacrifice to include reconciliation, drawing people back to the Father, transforming them into the likeness of His Son and revealing the hope of glory. A significant aspect of His mission is that He invites His disciples and believers to partner with Him in carrying out His work in the world, providing opportunities for unreached individuals to hear the good news. Jesus, our King and Leader of His mission, sends people to mobilize, proclaim, and live out the gospel worldwide. We are grateful that God has given The Christian and Missionary Alliance the desire and passion to send workers across the globe to spread the gospel to many unreached people groups.
Reflection Questions
Do you actively share the gospel? How often do you feel the urge to share?
What is your biggest challenge in sharing the gospel?
How will you overcome the barriers to sharing the gospel?