Discipleship Considered 3 (Cont)

A Disciple must have a commission

The Particular Commission

Last time we considered the disciples general commission. This time we need to consider if a disciple can expect a particular commission, that is, a word from the Lord to point him/her in a particular direction.

It has been said, 'if you aim at nothing you will surely hit it'. Having a commission means we have been given something to aim at. But the general must encompass the particular. The 'great commission' is very wide ranging, and is directed to the Church in totality, but each individual must find their place in the greater scheme of things. The 'greats' of the Bible were given particular commissions and we must follow in their steps.

Paul.

Paul's Damascus Road experience included an indication of his future service. This was re-enforced by Ananias, an agent of God, who had been instructed to welcome and encourage him. Ananias, knowing the reputation of Saul as a persecutor of believers protested, but the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear my name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel". (Acts 9.15) This commission was going to be fraught with danger and the Lord prepared his servant accordingly. "I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake." (Acts 9.16) The knowledge that his suffering was for the sake of his Saviour was a great help to the apostle as he trod the road of persecution. Knowing it was within the will of God gave him confidence that there would be a good outcome. He wrote: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Rom.8.18)

Peter

Similarly Peter - Before he denied His Lord, as was foretold by Jesus, he was given a particular commission: "when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren". (Luke 22.32) This was in addition to the stewardship of the keys given to him in Matthew chapter 16. There is no doubt that Peter knew his particular place in the spread of the gospel, being described as the apostle to the Jews, which was confirmed by the used of 'apostle' as a personaltitle in his letters to the Jews of the dispersion.

Moreover, Jesus encouraged Peter by intimating that he would remain strong in the face of persecution and would not deny his Master in the same way as he did before the crucifixion. At the time he was restored and re-established in the ministry for which he had been chosen, Jesus gave him a glimpse of the end. "Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish. This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God." (John 21.18,19) Jesus told Peter that whatever he had to face he would not die until he was old, and that when the time of his decease arrived his conduct would glorify God. How this must have been a help for him, all the years that he travelled telling others of the person and work of the Messiah.

More next time ...