How To Unlock The Full Arsenal Of Heaven

Sitting at your computer, re-blogging other people's inspirations is not Jesus' plan for you. You have greater responsibilities than that and it is time for us to stop seeking the easy way out. Yes, I know, you are an introvert. So am I. Big deal. I still have to get up and preach to a congregation each week. I still have to lead Bible Study. I still have to met with people throughout the week, invite them into my home, respond to invitations to go to theirs. The Lord does not call us to what is comfortable for us; he calls us to his work and empowers us to do it.

It is the responsibility of every Christian to make disciples. There is not a specific calling, category or gift called the disciplers. Did you notice there is no spiritual gift by that name? Each of us have that responsibility as followers of Jesus. It is not something that the local church does but it is what the Universal Church does, which is you and me, the Body of Christ. It is Jesus Follower 101.

You probably feel inadequate, not up to the task, unqualified for such responsibility. That's because we refuse to grow up. We would rather take the easy way, share some scripture and inspiration on FaceBook or tumblr and feel good about spreading the news of Jesus. But Jesus is not about cold, mass production. He is about relationships, the personal touch, an embrace, a listening ear, eye contact, a smile, a shared tear, the Good News, revelation, redemption and reconciliation. Do you really think that if Jesus told the parable of the prodigal son today he would have the father texting or tweeting his son instead of jumping off the porch and running to him to embrace him?

You have never been asked to do this by yourself or without resources. In fact, all the resources of heaven lay available to you. Whatever you need for the task is yours for the asking. That's the thing, it requires some action on our part. One of the most incredible verses on how we are to complete any task for the Kingdom is found in Luke 11:

So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. (v. 9-10)

It's sad that we don't even know enough to ask. We may not even want to ask because then we know we need to do it. But those who have decided to walk in obedience, this is your tool chest, your equipment, your great source of all things needed. But it requires action. You need to ask so that you will receive. Don't simply walk into a situation unprepared; equip yourself from Jesus' storehouse. If you need wisdom ask for it. If you need greater understanding, knock so it will be opened to you. Maybe you need opportunities. Knock and that door will open to you. I know it works, I have proven it. And if you need greater revelation of Jesus, seek it and you will find it.

I have no idea what you think you are lacking to complete the task that has been assigned to each of us but I do know you aren't lacking. It is all available to you but you need to take action to get equipped. But if you ask you need to be prepared to receive. Don't be turning the delivery man away at the door. If you knock you better be prepared to walk through the door when it opens. A lot of people knock but few are willing to be bold enough to follow through. If you are seeking you need to expect to find it, and you need to be prepared to do something with it.

We are without excuse. Time is short and more people need to hear about Jesus than ever before. They need more than words, they need to see actions of love and grace. They also need to see a demonstration of the power of Jesus. There is purpose for it, not to prove his existence but to show that they can trust his promises. We need to be prepared to operate in obedience, not limited by our own prejudices. We need to stop being hardhearted, get rid of the unbelief and move out with the full arsenal of heaven's resources. We are the true commissioners of Jesus's truth and reconciliation mission. Let's move out, fully equipped, and engage with the lost.