A Feather on the Breath of God

I've always loved that phrase. It makes me think. It makes me happy.

I'm just a little feather on the breath of a big God.

(Also makes me happy 'cause Hildegard of Bingen first said it and I just studied her in my Music Literature class. Yay for studying without trying!)

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:1-4)

"A sound like the blowing of a violent wind", huh? Sounds like a completely terrifying place for a little feather. How can a little feather do anything to resist a "violent wind".

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. (Acts 2:14)

Peter stood up?!? In Luke 24, it says that the disciples were "startled and frightened" to see the risen Jesus! What's this Peter guy doing?!? How could he ever have that much courage to speak?!?

There's no way possible... Unless he's a little feather too. A little feather on the breath of God.

(Here is where you go read verses 15-36, 'cause they're awesome. But I shall not post, because I want to get on to verse 37...)

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37)

Woah. I mean, this Peter guy just made these guys think. Was it that good of a sermon? *reads again* What's his secret?

Oh wait, that's right... Peter's just a little feather on the breath of a big God. This isn't about Peter. Peter's words did nothing. The Spirit's words did everything.

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-29)

We will receive the Holy Spirit? We will be filled with the power of God? We shall be swept along with the rushing wind? Could the power that raised Jesus from the dead... the power that brought Peter to courage... Could that be in me?

*dances with joy because God*

I'm a little feather on the breath of God, and God's been changing me. A lot. I don't recognize myself sometimes. I feel like a different person.

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. (John 3:5-8)

Spirit, blow your violent wind through my campus, through my town, and through my world! Sweep us up to do your will, to dance like little feathers on the breath of God. May everyone see the glorious  works of your hands in our lives. May we experience revival!

Blow, oh violent wind! This little feather is ready!

Of Testing and Servanthood

One time, less than 2 years ago, I had the thought... "If I were to die tomorrow, how would I desire to be remembered." 

I knew I didn't want to be remembered as the girl who was really good at violin. I didn't want my legacy to be simply my music. I wanted to be remembered as something more. After considering it for awhile, I found my answer. I knew it was right because I wanted it so passionately I cried.

I wanted to be remembered as the girl who gave herself away. I wanted to be the one who would serve with everything she had until she had nothing left to give. 

Over the years, I've been given many opportunities to serve. I find so much joy in serving. I truly don't mind doing whatever needs to be done. God has given me the gift of truly loving to serve. I am very thankful for it, and look forward to seeing where God leads me with it.

Over the summer I've been pouring myself out in service. Dishes, cooking, printing, running, laundry... Anything. And I've loved it. 

Today, I went up to our BSM and basically said, "I'm here. I can do whatever." What suprises could there be? 

I ended up in a bathroom I didn't know existed with a cart full of cleaning supplies. Which, having had cleaned bathrooms at my former church since I was 8, was an oddly familiar position.

I ended by sweeping up, and I decided to sweep up the room it was attached to as well. I'm happily singing and sweeping like a Disney princess or something, when suddenly...

Spiders.

Everywhere.

I hate spiders. I really hate spiders.

I looked closer. Webs. Egg sacks. Spiders. All over. Basically my worst nightmare.

(Correct that, snakes would have been worse.)

Deep breath, Emily. You said you'd clean the bathroom. Someone's gonna have to deal with these spiders. You can do it. *goes to BSM staff* "Ummm... There's a spider infestation in that room... Do we have something to kill them?"

I returned to the room with a bottle of bleach and a warning not to get it on my clothes. We didn't know if it would kill them, but hey it's worth a try. So I doused the room in bleach.

The staff then suggested that maybe I try opening the the exterior door in that room and sweep them out. Sounds good. I'll get the dead roaches while I'm doing it too.

*sweep sweep* *try not to freak out* *sing a worship song because I needed to do something with my mind* *knock egg sacks off the wall with broom and sweep those out too*

5ish minutes later I left the now clean room with the strangest thought in my mind...

"Will you serve me when spiders are involved? When you're afraid?"

So I assume today was a test from God about whether I would serve him when it involved my fears. 

Today, I served God through spiders. Hopefully now dead spiders. 

Tomorrow, well, I will serve God.

(After doing some research tonight, I've come to the conclusion that they were brown recluse. Really freaking out. Like, I don't know that I can sleep because I keep feeling spiders on me.)

Romans 2:1-4

 (I'm aware I skipped a passage. I have it written, but I also don't want to start an internet debate. If you would like to read it, I would be more than happy to send it to you; just leave me a comment!)

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

Ohhhhhhhh... Paul's getting tough now. Slightly sassy.

God has revealed to me the extent of friendly fire within the church over this past year. I have begun to recognize that we have allowed this sin to multiply among us without restraint. And God used a very unique way to reveal this to me.

Her name is Rylee.

Rylee is unlike anyone I've ever met. I met her through Cru. She's a bit of a hippy, loves her tattoos and piercings, and is vegan/vegetarian. She has different opinions on politics and different standards of clothing and makeup choices. Honestly, at first, I was a bit uneasy around her because she wasn't the picture of the "good" Christian girl that's been painted before me. She was different than me. The temptation was to pass judgement on her simply because of how she appeared.

And yet, she's now one of my closest "heart friends", who I can feel completely safe and comfortable pouring out all my issues too. I don't have to be perfect around her. I know that I can message her at 2am with my heart burdened (and know that she'll still be awake 'cause I don't think she ever actually sleeps :P) With her, there is no judgement and no pointing fingers.

We get together and eat vegan pasta and cookies and watch Charlie Brown Christmas shows on Netflix and go buy cheap clothes at used clothing stores. We talk freely without fear of having judgement passed between us. I can confess my struggles (and even areas of sin) and know that she will stand with me to help and encourage me in conquering them.

If only all relationships were that way.

Sadly, not all relationships are like that. There are many people that I don't feel free to talk to because I'm afraid that a finger will be pointed at me, telling me how wrong I am to have a problem. There have been many times within my faith community where I have felt like I needed to pretend I was someone else out of fear of judgement.

I know that on many occasions, I have been the one doing the judging, and I am guilty of this as much as anyone else. But it HAS to stop! We cannot continue letting our churches be a place of fear!

A friend and I once discussed that the darkest places in our lives, the ones Satan targets the most, are the areas we are most afraid to talk about. To admit that one struggles with ______ is to allow the other person an opportunity to judge you. From personal experience, I know that this makes the problem so many times worse!

Do we forget, as Paul writes, "the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience"? Have we forgotten grace? Oh Father, may you bring us to a place where we love as you have!

In a world without judgement, there would be pure open community, rather than pretending. There would be Biblical confrontation of sins, rather than gossip. There would be many fewer issues, because fear would not keep us from seeking uplifting companionship. It would be beautiful.

Let's stop the friendly fire.

The Mission - part 2

My time in Nashville climaxed with the arrival of the Fine Arts Summer Academy. This was my first year to be a "mentor" (basically, mini-faculty). I also have a newly found respect for coffee.

In the 2 days right before FASA began, I found myself in the music library of the college with a giant printer (we named it Sven), a dropbox account packed with sheet music, a bunch of un-assembled name tags, and like 200+ meal cards. And a guy named Cole who volunteered his time. And a slice of oreo cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory.

Somehow, over those 2 days, I managed to get only about 4 hours of sleep each night. Registration day came and I handed out the *multitude* of sheet music I had just printed the days before.

Somehow I ended up a unofficial official music librarian for the rest of camp.

27,000+ pieces of paper, not near enough sleep, a twisted ankle, and a happy heart later...

I've printed portrait, landscape, enlarged, reduced, letter, legal, double sided, stapled, hole punched, copied, scanned, pdf, mux, word, pages, mac, pc... replaced the toner, called tech support (twice), cleared at least 2 paper jams, and practically trained for a marathon delivering music to the jazz band.

During my time, I got a chance to build relationships with almost everyone at camp. Were they the deep, life-changing, future-biblical-counselor relationships? Not yet. But the relationships were built on a foundation of service, and I pray that the foundations will provide for beautiful friendships in future years.

One of the most special moments was taking 4 10-13 year olds for popscicles and spending an hour listening to the sweet childhood thoughts. Now, hopefully, those 4 little girls (plus the ones we managed to pick up along the way just for fellowship) know that there's someone out there they can turn to. I love those girls, and I am so thankful for their cheerful companionship. And the coffee they brought me. :P

Another beautiful, unexpected moment happened when I ended up teaching 5 private lessons. Some of private lessons were simply lessons, where hopefully I was able to impart some violin wisdom to the kids. Other lessons, though, ended of being more. A few of the girls I taught were very talented girls... who didn't believe that they really did know how to play. I found myself teaching them, not something new, but that they really did know how to do the techniques they were struggling with. It seems so simple, yet to hear the difference by the end of the lesson was truly incredible.

I arrived home physically sick and exhausted, and I slept for 12 hours the night after FASA, just to sleep almost all day in the car the drive home. I don't know that I've every worked harder day in and day out in my life. My payment? A full heart and a bunch of facebook friend requests.

This was my mission trip. It was perfectly designed just for who I am, and I can't imagine any other way of spending my summer. I wouldn't change a thing about my FASA, and I can't wait until next year.

A Mission of God's Own Design

I planned a vacation for myself. I would go and stay with friends in Tennessee for a few weeks before music camp. It would be awesome. I'd explore Tennessee with my friends and have an nice relaxing time. I would read books and drink tea and have fun.

However, God revealed to me that he had bigger plans for my summer. As it says in Isaiah, 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. (Isaiah 55:8-12 NIV)

And so, departing for Tennessee, I came to the mindset that this was a mission trip of God's making, for God's purposes and of God's design. He would do with me what he wills.

I spent a little over a week in a lovely time of fellowship with my "big sister". Over my time with her, I learned so much about the reality of spiritual warfare (more on that at a later date) and oh so much about God's divine power. When I got on a little 9-passenger plane to Nashville, I was certain that I was about to do something completely AWESOME. I was going to make a huge difference! I was equipped to do great things for God! I didn't know what, but I knew I was 

I've been here for over a week and a half now. I'm living in a house with 11-15+ people in it at any given time. I've washed made meals and washed dishes for said large number of people. I've swept floors and done laundry. I've babysat kids and rocked screaming babies and pushed toddlers in strollers what felt like miles to sooth them. I've swept floors and washed sinks and counters. I've made coffee and tea and delivered it all throughout the house. I've chaised rabbits out of the recording studio (just roll with it ;) )

My current mission isn't glamorous. It's not fancy. It's not earth shattering, power releasing action like I expected.

And yet, how could I be more like Christ?

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. (John 13:12-16 NIV)

Indeed, though my tasks are humble in the grand picture of life, my simple tasks are grand. For I am getting to be like Christ. I am not here to be served, but to serve. 

And what joy in the simple tasks is to be found! Is not the beautiful community of the dinner table worth the hours spent to prepare it? Is not loading the dishwasher a lovely time to ponder life? Is there not love found in service? Is there not a lovelier feeling then to play with a young child, or to enjoy the company of a grandma (or two)? Is making people smile not worth the time taken to make coffee?

For how can I love if I am not loving how Christ loved, and how can I love as he did without serving?

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28 NIV)

So, I find great peace and joy in my task of washing dishes. Is this the mission that God planned for me? Is his grand orchestration of life for me to be in Nashville cooking large meals for this season?

Yes, it is. Maybe there's more coming, maybe not. And, my friends, either way would be enough. For nothing can be more important then what God has planned, not anything I could imagine. My joy is from God, who loves through me by pouring love into me. 

If there's one thing I've learned, it's this - my mission is to follow God, wherever and however that might be. 

And so, I accept my mission and gladly go start the dishwasher.

(P.S. Households of 15 go through way more food and way more dishes than I ever imagined possible. Just saying.)

(P.P.S. I love the person who invented paper plates. I really do.)

Romans 1:18-20

18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Wooooooah there, Paul. What happened to all the "I miss you" and "Surrender to God" and "The Gospel brings Life"?

Reality Check:

Man is living in a fallen world. There are sinful people. God is holy.

3 things stick out to me in this passage:

1) Man suppress the truth by our wickedness

If there's ever been a time when you wondered what sin is, here's a pretty good definition, in my opinion: Sin is the suppression of truth. Think about that. A few verses from now, we'll be talking more about sin, but just think about this for a second - what do we do that covers the truth? Suppresses it? This is sin. Paul goes into this more in a few verses... hold onto this for now.

2) God makes himself known

What may be known of God... is in plain sight? How confusing that is. We think of God as hidden... As Job 11:7-9 says,

"Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.". 

And yet Paul writes that... He has made himself plain to us. He also writes in Ephesians 3:

2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus... 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

3) We really have no excuse

Just stop here for a minute. I, personally, feel like I just got punched in the gut. This passage is strong. Powerful. Maybe a little painful. We have no excuse.

Christ has, "out of his glorious riches", placed the fullness of God in our hearts.

Because of that, creation has doomed itself. It's decided to look at the evidence laid before it and turn away... suppressing the truth in our hearts.

It's heartbreaking, yes? And yet we all do it. Often.

There's no encouraging charge at the end of this post. A charge, yes, but not encouraging.

Friends, it's time to get down to the nitty gritty here. We have no excuse, no way around it. We have suppressed truth. It's time to kneel and repent. Maybe for the first time, realizing your need for salvation. Maybe as an established Christian realizing areas where Satan has strongholds in your life. It's time to start shining a light into the darkest corners of your soul.

Paul's not done yet... check back soon for the next few *painful* verses.

Romans 1:16-17

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

I would like to think that I am not ashamed of the gospel, as this passage so famously begins. That I am not ashamed of my faith.

And yet, I sometimes am.

Sometimes I'm afraid of what people will say and think. I see them as stronger than myself. And perhaps, for a moment, I see them as stronger than God.

Sometimes my little human mind is so confused, yes?

This is the power of God. This is salvation... life! This is the greatest gift of all!

I've been reading the book "Intercessory Prayer" by Dutch Sheets. One topic it's talked about is that we are God's representatives on earth. His re-presenters. We are to present him again.

*poof* Mind blown, yes?

If in the gospel is, as verse 17 says, the righteousness of God revealed, then when we speak of the gospel we are re-presenting the righteousness of God! We cannot reveal the gospel... that has been done, once and for all, but we can re-present his righteousness. We are not righteous, but through and only through faith in the gospel, as re-presenters or righteousness, we bear the authority of his righteousness!

We can. You and me. Ordinary people. People saved by faith. Little me, little you.

Little, ordinary people can make a big kingdom impact.

Romans 1:14-15

I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.

Obligation. To be bound by duty.

The Greek word used is "ὀφειλέτης, ου, ὁ", transliterated "opheiletés".

The word refers to a debtor, or one who has sinned against another.

It's the same word used in Matthew 18:23-33, the parable of the talents.

What a statement that is. "I am obligated."

Paul, in those 3 words, recognizes himself as a sinner. And yet, because of God's grace, Paul's sin was covered. Forgiven. Salvation had come.

So what was Paul obligated to?

Love.

To share Christ's love.

16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3)

Paul is a man surrendered. Surrendered to being Christ's hand of love, without discrimination. He desires so greatly to be able to serve the early church in Rome!

We are a people that have been called to a state of full surrender. A people that love as Christ loved. A people that love everyone we see with an unconditional mercy.

Will we?

Romans 1:11-13

11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

Biblical Community.

The most beautiful expression of God's love, yet so often abandoned in our modern church in favor of bigger numbers and efficiency. It requires sacrifice, love... and a whole lot of the Holy Spirit.

My favorite description of Biblical community is found in Acts 2

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Bible study. Sharing meals. Praying. Giving. Worshiping.

The result?

Relationship to God. Wonders and signs. Many added to their number.

Relationship is an attribute of God. God is a perfect relationship.

Relationship brings strength, as said in Ecclesiastes 4:

9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

And yet, within this community, Paul wishes for a harvest.

2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. (Luke 10)

As I spend my summer preparing to lead my lifegroup, I find my desire aligning with Paul. To develop relationship in a Acts-like Biblical community. To have a harvest within my circle of relationship.

Father, I ask you to begin to prepare the students you bring into this Biblical community. Bring their hearts into a place of searching. Protect their hearts, not against spiritual warfare, but against hardening as a result of such warfare. Teach me to love them freely

Romans 1:8-10

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9 God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.

 As I read v.8, I was struck by the phrase "your faith is being reported all over the world".

The Greek word used, according to my limited resource of the internet, is "καταγγέλλεται", translated to "is being proclaimed". This word is used only 2 other places in the Bible.

Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. (Acts 13:38)

But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, (Philippians 1:18)

It fascinates me that in a day where news moved slow, before post offices and waaaaay before social media and email, that their reputation could be proclaimed in such a glorious way all over the world! That is a truely remarkable statement of their faith and testimony!

And Paul loves these Christians. "God is my witness to how much I think of you and pray for you. I ask him that maybe God's will would open for me to come visit you again!"

I think back to my time in high school, when some of my closest friends were from music camp. Living all over the US, we really only got to see each other once a year. Oh, how I would long for July to come around to see my dear friends. When they would struggle, I would pray for them because I cared about them; I would wait for the day when I could give them a hug again!

Now that I'm older and just a bit more mature, I long for people in a deeper way. I long to sit down and here about people's struggles and counsel them. I long to hear their progress and walk through life with them.

I imagine that's what Paul desired as well. These were the people he loved and was called to. And he longed for them.

That's also God's desire for us. To be with those he loved. So much so that he would sacrifice his son.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) 

Romans 1:1-7 (Part 3: A Commission)

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— ² the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures ³ regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, ⁴ and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. ⁵ Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. ⁶ And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.⁷ To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Part 3... Paul has already spoke of his renewed identity, as well as telling the gospel. And in the last 3 verses of this passage (5-7), Paul gives the church of Rome a commission.

A commission has a rather lengthy definition. It can be used as both a noun and verb.

com·mis·sionnoun
the act of committing or giving in charge.
an authoritative order, charge, or direction.
authority granted for a particular action or function.
a document granting such authority.

verb
to give a commission to
to authorize; send on a mission; to give the order that places a warship, military command, etc., in a state of complete readiness for active duty. 

Though the common use of the word "commission" generally has to do with money, it's a very military word. And that's what Paul is doing here.

"You are called to obedience. You are called to belong to Jesus Christ. These are your orders."

1 John 5 says this of obedience: 

2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

Therefore, we can see that obedience is the fruit of love for God. This is the fruit that the Christian bears. This is the commission, the authoritative order, Paul asks of the early Christians... and of us.

Love God. Obey God. Be His.

Romans 1:1-7 (Part 2: The Gospel)

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— ² the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures ³ regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, ⁴ and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. ⁵ Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. ⁶ And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.⁷ To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

In Part 1: A Calling, we looked at Paul's radical transformation of identity. In this section, we'll be looking at verses 2-4. The Gospel for which Paul put his identity in. A simple gospel; the gospel told throughout Acts. 

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,

    which has become the cornerstone.’

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4)

39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10)

2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead.“This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. (Acts 17)

The message of this gospel is simple: Christ came, Christ died, Christ rose from the dead, Christ saves. 

This is the evangelism tool of the early church that saved thousands. This is the gospel. The only gospel. For as Jesus said in John 14:16, "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" 

I have read that Latin for this phrase is "Via, Veritas, Vita". It reminds me of "Veni, vidi, vici" (We came, we saw, we conquered), another Latin phrase reportedly written by Julius Ceasar in reference to a great battle. And that is the simplicity of the gospel - "He came, He Saved, He Conquered"

Romans 1:1-7 (Part 1: A Calling)

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— ² the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures ³ regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, ⁴ and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. ⁵ Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. ⁶ And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.⁷ To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

(I have the honor of wearing the title of "Lifegroup Leader" at our colleges BSM this coming year. I am looking forward to leading my girls in Bible study, as well as getting to mentor them one-on-one. We are going to be going through the book of Romans for the upcoming fall semester.)

Romans 1:1-7 is a hefty, though short, passage. In these 7 verses, we see: a calling, the gospel, and a commission. 

The calling seen in v. 1 is beautiful - "I am Paul, and I am Christ's servant. I have been called and set apart. This is my identity."

What a beautiful act of faith.

We see a passion for this identity in Philippians 3:7-11:

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law,but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

This is Paul. Persecutor of the early church turned persecuted missionary. A Pharisee turned prisoner for Christ. A man who gave up everything because of a calling.

A calling that asked him to re-write the fabric of who he was.

"Radical", we might say. Yes, very radical. Yet, we are ALL expected to make this change in our lives!

Are you willing to let Christ be your identity? Are you willing to be radically changed? To give up everything you have to follow Christ? To participate in his sufferings? 

Sounds dangerous. Terrifying. Foolish.

Yet wonderful.

He is trustworthy. 

He is the Son of God.

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