ROMANS 1:5

Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake.

TO PONDER

This is an interesting verse for us to reflect on as we think about the theme of 'mission' this week. These words are part of the apostle Paul's introduction of himself and his credentials as an apostle in his letter to the Christians in Rome. He uses the word 'we' where we might expect him to use the singular 'I'. There are numerous reasons he might have done this, one might be to associate himself with the other apostles to 'borrow' their reputation and authority as those who had been followers of Jesus during his earthly ministry.

However, he could also be inviting the Roman Christians to consider themselves as part of the mission to which he himself had been called, to make known the gospel to the gentiles; and in the infinite wisdom of God who inspired Paul to write this letter, it is even possible that both could be true. Now I am not suggesting that every person is called to be an apostle in the same sense as Paul and the first apostles of the early Christian Church. However, there is something about the way Paul describes his apostleship that is helpful for us to consider as we think about mission.

1. Paul says it is through Him [Christ], that this work begins
2. Paul says through Christ he first received grace
3. The Paul receives 'apostleship' which is essentially Christ's call of Paul into his role as apostle to the gentiles, ie. Paul is sent
4. He is sent so that the nations may come to faith and obedience to Christ
5. For the sake of Christ's name.

As those who Jesus calls and sends today, what would change if we were able to consider 'being sent' as a joyful response to receiving God's grace rather than a duty or obligation? What if we could, like Paul, recognise that our faith is not just something that saves us, but which is also something God wants to use so that others might also be saved?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you that you have given me your love and grace through your life, death and resurrection. Please help me to remember that while I may not be an apostle in the same way as Paul and the first disciples, that you have called me your own and sent me out on your mission and in your name, to seek and save the lost. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle