Pastor's Ponderings, August 1, 2016

We Are God’s Persons Of Interest

One of my favorite television shows was called Person of Interest, which focused on a former CIA agent who is hired by a billionaire to prevent impending violent crimes predicted by “the Machine.” 

The Machine was a mass-surveillance computer system, which identified people who could be a possible crime victim or wrongdoer.

While it is obviously was a fantasy, there are some familiar elements for those who love God.  There are the agents who willingly risk their lives in service of mankind.  They are obedient to every direction from this unseen entity without question and seek no personal reward other than knowing they did a good job.  Amazingly they get shot, stabbed, beat up, and get in major car accidents, but almost always manage to survive. One of the comments made early in the show was that everyone thought they were dead so they could be in the world, but not of the world (John 17:16, 18). 

Just like the billionaire and the gang of former killers, we are converted sinners sent into the world to work God’s work while we live (John 9:4).  Unlike the Machine of the television show, we have God living inside of us who directs us to intervene in other’s lives through prayer, healing, encouragement, giving, and other miraculous works to change lives for the better (Colossians 2:9). We believers are empowered and directed to cast out evil spirits and heal the sick when we lay our hands on them (Mark 16:17, 18).  Furthermore, as members of Christ’s body, we are to carry on His mission of winning those who don’t know the Lord Jesus Christ to a personal relationship with Him (Luke 19:10).

That television show has ended and no doubt the actors are auditioning for new acting roles, but those who love God must work until their day is done. We are to let His will be done in us as obedient children so that one day our Father will say that our work was done well and now we can live with Him forever. 

John 17:16, 18
New International Version (NIV)
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.
18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

John 9:4
New International Version (NIV)
4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

Colossians 2:9
New International Version (NIV)
9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,

Mark 16:17, 18
New International Version (NIV)
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

Luke 19:10
New International Version (NIV)
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”