Tonight’s family service looked at the theme ‘Mission or Intermission?‘ Mark spoke from Mk 16:14-18, reminding us that Jesus commanded His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel, baptising those who believed and demonstrating God’s power in casting out demons, healing and speaking in tongues. Sometimes, we feel ‘mission is too big for me’, but Jesus gave this commission to all His disciples.
Jesus’s last words to His disciples (Acts 1:4-8) reiterated this command, but stressed the need for them not to go anywhere or do anything until they had received the power of the Holy Spirit. We too need this power if we are to be effective witnesses and need to start where we are before moving on to other areas.
When we think about ‘intermission’, we think about going to the theatre or cinema and having snacks (ice-cream and popcorn, for example!) Sometimes we need times of refreshing with God, ‘time out’ to be alone with God and receive His direction, help and guidance. But we also have to remember our primary calling is to be witnesses of all God has done and to explain how people can be saved through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
