Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 242

August 30;       John 20:21       88/260(III);       ‘As The Father Sent Me’

John 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."

The Lord Jesus suddenly appeared to His disciples where they were hiding from the religious leaders.  Notice that the first thing He said was ‘Peace be with you. (verse 19)’.  The ‘good’ side of the spiritual realm never intentionally frightens anyone.  Angels always tell those they appear to fear not.  It is the devil and demonic forces that delight in causing fear in others.  Now for the second time (John 17:18) the Lord Jesus commissions His disciples (and us) to continue His ministry.  In essence that is the first thing He tells His disciples.  What an honor and privilege to continue the Lord Jesus’ work on this earth.  Regardless of what you do, as believers we are to preach the Word, lay hands on the sick, cast out demons and get people baptized in the Holy Spirit.  The Lord equips us to do His ministry when we become baptized in the Holy Spirit.  He has given us His Word, the power of prayer, His love and the fruit of the Spirit.  We are well able to continue what He started.  Now, it is our decision, if we will.  The Lord Jesus, in obedience to His Father came and redeemed us from sin and sickness.  We continue His work by sharing the Word with the lost about what Jesus did for them.  Additionally, the Lord Jesus is our Example.  We too teach the Word, heal the sick, cast out demons and seek and saving the lost.  What an adventure.  Nothing the world offers could ever compare to this.  As the Father sent Jesus, our Lord sends us.