by Keith Lippy
The “Mission Impossible” movie series has been a huge success. But the movies are based on an old TV show where the characters were given a directive through a cassette tape that self-destructed after the message was given to the team. In each episode, the unnamed voice on the tape said, “This mission, should you choose to accept it, is…” Of course, it was a very difficult assignment that was nearly impossible to carry out, but in order to continue the series the team was always successful. That is why the name of the program was “Mission Impossible.”
God’s plan through the ages of time is like this mission impossible in that God never gives his people a directive they are not able to carry out. God’s mission is possible and we have indeed been given the command to see it to fruition.
The story of the whole Bible is God’s plan of redemption progressively unveiled through the pages of human history. It all began when God created the world. The climax of that creative act was the creation of man. The man and the woman God made were subsequently tempted by Satan and they disobeyed God’s clear and loving command. This act of disobedience to the Creator caused the earth to be cursed and the couple to be banished from God’s paradise garden. Because God is a good and loving Father, he temporarily covered their guilt and shame by providing clothes of animal skins for them. This sacrificial act set the stage for God’s plan of redemption that would become the marching orders for all future worshippers. God made an eternal promise to mankind by telling them that at some time in the future, a descendent of the woman would once and for all conquer sin, death and the grave (Genesis 3:15).
This rebellious act by our ancestors caused every person born after them to be infected with sin’s curse, an inherited separation from God called death (Rom. 5:12). To die in this terminal condition means separation from God forever and leaves a person deserving of God’s eternal punishment.
If the story ended there, life as we know it would be hopeless. But here is where God’s glorious plan of redemption comes into play! God sent his promised Savior, Jesus Christ, into the world to pay the penalty that we all deserve (1 Peter 2:24). Anyone who puts their trust in him is forgiven and enters into a relationship with God that lasts forever.
The “Possible Mission” that we have been given, if we choose to accept it, is our opportunity to take part in God’s rescue operation to save the lost and dying world around us. The reason that this mission is possible is because all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus, who promises to go with us and help us fulfill what the Father has instructed.
This mission, should you choose to accept it, is:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20
(Feel free to save this passage…it won’t self-destruct!)
Listen to a recent sermon related to this blog: Go Make Disciples