AWESOME RESPONSIBILITY!

AWESOME RESPONSIBILITY!

John 20:19-23

19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

          Only John records the words we see in verse 23. At first glance it would seem that Jesus is giving not only to Peter but to all the disciples the power over men’s souls. But this can’t mean that any disciple could cavalierly determine a man’s eternal destiny. Only God can forgive sins but the now believers had the power to intrude upon man’s relationship with God! By speaking and convincing men of the truth we may remit sins. By withholding the truth, either by laziness or by prejudicial selection, we may insure condemnation. It is an awesome responsibility.

         The commission was given to all that were assembled and not to Peter only. “As the Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” This was not a formal ordination of some religious order but the general call to world evangelism. By our obedience or rebellion we decide who hears the gospel. Every life that touches ours becomes our responsibility. Worldwide missionary activity grows from that concern.  The more we care the more our passion grows. The more we do, the more there is to be done.

         As you enter church today and settle into your seat, think of the chain of events that brought you to faith in Christ. Will you be the last link in that chain? Whosesoever sins you retain – by lack of concern or involvement – they are retained. Whosesoever sins you remit – by tears and teaching – they are remitted.

Dear Lord, let me live my life with the knowledge that others are depending upon me to hear the truth. AMEN