Daily EncouragementSample

“By the command of God” - the basis of Paul’s apostleship was not his own choosing, but the command of God. He was always emphasizing the divine initiative in regard to his place of service in the kingdom of God - “made . . . called . . . appointed.” God had sent him forth. That was the great reason for his going - in the last analysis it was his only reason. His line of apologetic for his apostleship is always an appeal to divine appointment, to divine command.

“By the command of God” - these very words came to the mind of a new missionary as his friends were seeing him off at a railway station - as they did in those far-off days! He looked at the happy group and thought how many of them seemed much more suitable missionary material than he was. This word steadied him then, and did so many more times in the years that followed.

The new missionary goes out in great weakness and yet with great confidence, because he knows himself to be in the true apostolic succession. Like Paul, he is sent forth “by the command of God.” In the face of that command he cannot stay, and he sets out with his eyes towards the Lord who is his Saviour and his hope.