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I have a friend and her husband who have just been “commissioned” to go on a mission in Ecuador. Being “commissioned” is a big deal!  To be commissioned for a specific mission is to entrust that person or group of people with supervisory power or authority. It is authority granted for a particular action or function (Dictionary.com).   In their case, they will be helping and taking care of those who do not have a means for dental care.  While not all of us have those specific skills, we are commissioned by God every single day for the sake of the Gospel!

In the Book of Joshua, Moses has just died. God is now commissioning Joshua to finish the mission of taking the Israelites from the wilderness into the Land that God promised Abraham. As God commissions Joshua, he has been given very specific instructions:

• Every place your feet touch, I give to you (Joshua 1:3)
• No one will be able to stand against you. I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you (Joshua 1:5)
• Be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6)
• Be careful to act in accordance with all the Law (Joshua 1:7)
• Do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9)

As Christians, God has commissioned each one of us to “Go and Make Disciples,” (Matthew 28:16-20).  Every day, we may find ourselves in situations and opportunities to proclaim Christ, but keep our mouths shut. Every day, we have a choice to reach out to others to reveal the Christ in us, but turn away. Every day, we have moments when we want to give up.

These words to Joshua are words for you today:  No one will be able to stand against you.  I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.  Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Let us pray…Almighty God, our strength, refuge, and hope.  Send us forth into your world to proclaim the Christ you have given us to save us from our sin and death.  We love you so much.  Amen.