Sunday Devotions - Passing the Torch, the work of Christ

The Great Commission

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said,“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

Peter Heals a Lame Beggar

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. Acts 3:1-8

This week as I was preparing for today's Sunday school class, the lesson of Peter healing the lame man, I was having trouble coming up with a suitable way to convey to the kids just how important Peter's miracle was to early Christianity. Peter's work and ability to perform miracle was showed that Jesus' work on Earth wasn't finished when he ascended into heaven. Rather, the work was passed onto Peter and the other disciples by Jesus' great commission. Peter also reminds the lame beggar, and us, that any mortal with the power to perform miracles has power from God, not themselves. 

The work Jesus passed to the apostles and that has now been passed to present day Christians is a lot like an Olympic relay race. It takes a lot of people working their very best to get to the finish. Those running the relay must grasp the baton firmly and pass it on with conviction. 

And what will we workers for Christ find at the finish line? We will be received as champions, given rest from our toils. Christians are like Olympic champions. We don't become Christians in a day nor do Olympians become champions. Doing God's work and becoming an Olympic champion takes years of sacrifice and hard work but our reward in heaven is great! 

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the work you have commissioned to us. Thank You for providing role models in your apostles. Thank You for the promise of a great reward in heaven! Amen!