Morning Moments

1 Timothy 1:1 - Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ which is our hope.

The Called - "Paul" - The name Paul means "small". There are several things we can learn from the meaning of the name of this "giant". His humility (chief of sinners), his honor (to me was given...the mystery), and his heart (have you always in my prayers).

Not all of us can be considered the "son" of a great man of God. Many today do not have the time to devote to the demands of a "son" in the faith, but we are not leaders without followers, and we are not fathers without sons. This saint, Paul, had no time for whimpie Marks, but poured his life into young Timothy who was "likeminded".

The Commission - "an apostle" - As with us, Paul was called to Jesus, then commissioned by Him as an apostle born out of due season. Because of early Roman Catholic teaching, we in evangelical circles try to avoid the word "apostle", and religate it to the first century. We substitue fo? it the word "missionary" but they mean the same thing - one sent. Specifically, the apostle was a church planter, a pioneer who went where no man dare to go (so to speak).

The Commissioner - "of Jesus Christ..." - when one comes with a message, our response is, "who sent you"? The messenger is simple the vehicle through which another speaks. His authority comes from the sender and not from himself. Those of us who have been "commissioned" by Jesus whether as Evangelist, Pastor/Teacher, Apostle, or Prophet simply represent HIM, not ourselves.

The Commandment - "by commandment" - God doesn't say, "Would you mind taking my message to the world", rather He issues a command: YOU GO TAKE MY MESSAGE TO THE WORLD. If we cannot take orders, we have no right to give them. No one can lead who will not follow. If you are to tutor others, you must be tutored yourself. He commands, we obey - end of story.

The Cause - "our hope" - Isn't it encouraging to know that what motivated Paul motivates you? Our hope (abiding confidence) is not merely "in" Jesus Christ, it IS Jesus Christ! HE is the abiding hope of our salvation (past, present, and future), our sanctification (now and then), and our glorification (new body, new home, new everything).

WOW! If that is not enough to motivate and move us nothing will do it. TODAY praise Him that He called you to Himself and that He commissioned you to GO WORK TODAY IN MY FATHER'S VINEYARD! AMEN!

Blessings