Saved For A Purpose
Wednesday, November 20
Revelation 1:5-6 (NKJV)
“...and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Devotion
In the introduction to the book of Revelation, the Apostle John explains that the words came from Jesus Christ to him. John did not reason them on his own. John did not write an end-times novel.
To Him who loved us – whom did God love? Us! Who has been washed from sins by the shedding of Jesus’ own blood – is that you? Is that your sin? The sin is real. It made us guilty and separated us from a holy God. But God made a way for us to be washed and restored! Surely, that would have been enough.
But no, God went further, because it was His plan from the beginning to have a relationship with us and to have us participate in His purposes on earth. God did not reserve participation in His kingdom on earth for people who are official religious leaders. Jesus demonstrated and explained that while he was physically on the earth. “And has made us kings and priests” – who is us? All who have had their sins forgiven in Jesus.
What does that mean? King is an executive role; priest is a spiritual role. As God instructed Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply, to rule over the earth and subdue it, so we are called to be fruitful and multiply, to work, produce, care for, and provide. As Jesus instructed his disciples to spread the good news of Jesus and to lead people in discipleship, we are called to be disciples and to make disciples.
In the examples provided in Scripture, we see that natural kings were only a blessing to their kingdoms and people as long as they were faithful to the Word of God. We are reminded in today’s passage that Jesus is the faithful witness – the perfect priest. Jesus is also the ruler over the kings of the earth – the perfect King. We are provided wisdom and instruction for these roles in Scripture. Through the Holy Spirit, God provides authority and power for success.
As the end of this year quickly approaches, meditate on your assignments as a king and priest. Prayerfully consider practical ways God wants you to apply your time and resources to bring others to Jesus and to be a blessing on the earth in Jesus’ Name. Don’t just think about global missionary work or a national day of prayer. Think about yourself, your household, your church, your community, your city, your state. If this is a new concept for you, ask God how to start, then be faithful in what He shows you.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to You with a heart of thanksgiving and praise. I could not live this life without Your companionship, guidance, wisdom, and comfort. Just as I recognize my need for You, help me to recognize the need of everyone around me to come to salvation knowledge through You. I ask that You lay on my heart the ones on whom I could be a godly influence and give me Your wisdom in leading them to You. Use me as a vessel to reach those around me with the good news of the Gospel. May Your light shine through me daily. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
As the author of today’s devotional challenged you, prayerfully consider what practical ways you can bring others to the salvation knowledge of Jesus Christ. Ask yourself today, what can I do right now to influence someone on behalf of God’s Kingdom? Who can I reach out to right now, where I am, and in what way, so that they see Jesus through me? Determine today, and each day, to touch someone’s life and lead them to, or help them grow in the knowledge of the Word of God.
Resources:
- Watch the message, “Start Where You Are”, and be encouraged to honor God in whatever capacity you can, right where you are.
- Who has God placed in your life for you to serve and disciple? Sign up for the next semester of School of Discipleship and gain the wisdom you need to be an effective disciple.