The Divine Mandate

Wednesday, 4 September

TEXT: Mk. 16:15-20,
MORE LESSONS: I Cor. 9:16

In Africa, the word mandate is often more associated with political campaigns and politicians. It is hardly used in church or spiritual contexts. A mandate is an authoritative order or command; it could be political, judicial or spiritual. When Jesus was leaving the earth, He handed down a mandate, an authoritative command: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature: Mk. 16:15. This is our mandate because it is an authoritative command from our superior and Master, Jesus of Nazareth. This mandate tells us that preaching Jesus as the Saviour of the world is the message and assignment, the whole world is the location and all mankind is the target. Anything different from this is a sin and Jesus will judge us for it. Whatever we do as believers in Christ Jesus must therefore reflect this mandate. We must tell the world there is a Saviour who lived, died and resurrected to reconnect man back to his God and that He is coming back soon, in fact, today or even now. Our songs, sermons, announcements, offering, thanksgiving, miracle service, fasting and feasting must tell just this message alone.
This mandate is not just church denomination mandate; it is every believer's mandate. There is only one pulpit in our church on Sunday and thousands must be available after service to spread the message of the day. This is why we live and why after redemption Jesus did not take us home immediately to be with Him. He wants us to represent Him and spread the good news to all the people of the earth. The wonderful thing about this mandate is the one who sent us has promised to go with us on the assignment, …and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen: Matt. 28:20. He also promised to empower us for the job, And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils… Mk.16:17.
It is encouraging to see the response of the apostles to the mandate and the testimony of God’s faithfullness to them. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, Not that alone, They also had a testimony of God's faithfulness to them The Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen: Mk. 16:20. If we too will obey that mandate as the apostles did, God will also confirm His words in our lives. Let us go a fishing now!
PRAYER / ACTION
* Ask God to make you a faithful soul winner.
* Pray that God's investment in your life for the sake of His work will not be a waste
* Ask God for a soul today.
Target someone you must tell about Jesus today. Promise God your day will not end until you tell someone about Jesus.

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