In Other Words

"If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?"
~ David Livingstone ~

To be commissioned by a king has always been an honor. But the honor of carrying on the work of the king, of acting in his stead and in his power in his kingdom, has never been without sacrifice. Those commissioned by the king have had to be willing to leave home, family and country, forgoing comfort, even risking loss of life. So it is for us as those who have been comissioned by our Heavenly King. Those committed to the "ministry of reconciliation" (2 Cor. 5:18) must see our commission for what it is-- the highest of honors. We are ambassadors of the Most High God! Infused with His very power, we have been given the greatest of privileges- to be called His children and to do the work of His kingdom on His behalf, for His great glory. But, worship and service to our Heavenly King has always involved sacrifice, even for His own Son, Who gave His very life doing what He had been commissioned to do. Can we say with David, "I will not offer... an offering to the Lord which cost me nothing." (2 Samuel 24:24)? The commission is an honor-- the sacrifice, a privilege.

No one knew this better than David Livingstone, who was moved by "the smoke of a thousand villages–villages whose people are without Christ, without God, and without hope in this world." Those words, spoken by his mentor, Robert Moffat, solidified Livingstone's commitment to the commission he received from His Heavenly King. The honor of the commission is what must have sustained him in the crushing jaws of the lion, the disease-ridden days in the interior of Africa, and the years of not seeing his beloved family. All sacrifices, to be sure, but infinitely worth it because of the honor of carrying out the commission of the Lord Most High.

My commission is worth whatever I am asked to put on the altar. What will I offer Him today? May I count it an honor.


Laurel Wreath is our host for this week's "In Other Words." Please visit Laurel to read some other thoughts on this quote, and to link your own. Thanks for hosting us, Laurel!