His Mission Is Not Part Time

When a military General issues an order, a soldier moves with purpose to accomplish and execute the order. A General operates in a realm of  significant influence and authority because of the rank they have attained. However, the rank, position, and power of a General is temporal, perishable, and carries no eternal impact. But what about the commands and orders of Jesus? The Lord of Hosts issues orders that require swift and immediate action or in some situations a willingness to “go” as we wait upon the Lord to reveal the plan of execution.

Following His resurrection, Jesus commanded His disciples to “wait for the Promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4) in Jerusalem, because it would be in Jerusalem where they would receive the power of the Holy Spirit for the first time. Jesus had already given them orders to carry out the Great Commission and now He spoke these words, “you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end to the earth” (Acts 1:8). These were not idle words, for they would become the marching orders and basis for biblical missions. This one verse is sufficient enough for every believer to “be a witness.” In fact, John Calvin said that “there is no believer whom the Son of God does not require to be His witness.” I would have to agree.

The word witness is vital in this command. It’s where we get the word martyr. A martyr is a believer who chooses to suffer death rather than forsake their allegiance to Jesus Christ. A martyr is a believer who bears testimony to the truth of what he or she has seen or knows as a witness would during a legal trial. A martyr is willing to sacrifice to advance the kingdom of God. Finally, a martyr is willing to endure severe suffering for their Lord and King Jesus Christ.

So, can a Christian separate their faith from their public life or at their workplace? Not without complete unfaithfulness to Acts 1:8 and to their General, Jesus Christ. A believer is a “witness” no matter where he or she walks, no matter where he or she lives, no matter where he or she works, and no matter what laws forbid evangelism or proselytism.

Jesus is the General giving the orders and it’s our responsibility as His soldiers to move out and execute His orders.