When I was growing up there was a popular television series entitled, "Mission Impossible." A group of skilled agents were given an assignment from headquarters which was often delivered in a plain envelope containing a cassette tape (yes, that's how old I am) with specific instructions and a picture of the individual that was marked as the "target" that the team was to engage. There was always an uneasy feeling as the stakes were very high in completing the assignment. As a result, the recording on the tape cassette always gave the lead agent an "out" with the words, "Should you choose to accept this assignment.." The instructions also came with a warning that if any of the agents were caught or killed, the secretary would disavow any knowledge of their actions. The final words on the tape informed the leader that, "This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds." The scene ended with a crackling sound and smoke rising from the cassette as it was destroyed. The television series eventually ran its course and ended, however the "Mission Impossible" legacy has continued today in the form of a series of popular movies. The main character in these movies was an agent named Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise. The premise of these movies is the same as the television series, a high stakes assignment is given and must be carried out in order to successfully complete the mission. There was a feeling of tension in the television series as well as the movies as the team of agents navigates how to successfully complete the assignment amidst setbacks and unforeseen circumstances as well as many close calls which at any particular time along the way could have resulted in a negative outcome. Thus, the title "Mission Impossible" was a way of communicating to the audience that the task was not something that under normal circumstances would result in success.
We Have A Mission
We Have Been Equipped
Jesus had already outlined how the assignment was going to be completed in the Commission itself. First, Jesus Himself had the authority to give to them to fulfill the task. By virtue of His coming, crucifixion, death, and resurrection, Jesus as Lord and Savior had the right to make such a declaration. Second, He had been teaching them all along in the three years that the disciples had walked with Him, so they were more than equipped and up to the task. Finally, He promised His presence would be with them and everyone who was baptized, taught, and equipped long after they were gone. His presence was in the person of the Holy Spirit. In Acts chapter 1 shortly before His ascension, Jesus commanded His disciples, "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.....but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:4,6 NIV) Jesus's promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2, when the Holy Spirit came. The same Holy Spirit that filled the disciples has filled believers in Christ through the ages with the power to complete our mission and will continue to do so until as Jesus states, "..the very end of the age." The television series "Mission Impossible" and the subsequent movie legacy presents a challenge to those tasked to carry out the assignment with a scenario that could not provide assurance that all would go smoothly or end well. However, our task as believers is a "mission possible" because of Jesus Christ. In our own strength alone, the assignment is daunting. However, we don't need to be afraid because our mission albeit challenging, will not fail. Our Lord has called us and empowered us to get the job done. We need to be willing to "accept the assignment" and trust in Him. In Jeremiah chapter 32, God gives the prophet a task to buy a field even though the situation for the Israelites is not looking very hopeful. Despite Jeremiah's concerns, the word of the Lord comes to the prophet, "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:27 NIV) We as believers know the answer is with God nothing will ever be a "mission impossible."
Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Sheree