In Partnership

Read: Mark 16:9-20

The disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs. Mark 16:20

IN WORD

“The Lord worked through them.” He didn’t have to. In fact, much teaching in modern Christianity minimizes our role in the mission and emphasizes His. After all, He is sovereign and can do whatever He wants whenever He wants. But God seems always to work in partnership with His people. He urges us to pray for His will to be done, as though human agency is necessary; He calls us to work and serve, as though human effort is vital; and He gives us His authority and His name, as though He fully trusts us to manage His affairs on earth. He is a partnership kind of God.

This is evident even in creation. “Let us make human beings in our image,” He proposed in the beginning (Genesis 1:26). The Trinity is a fellowship of mutual desire and fulfillment, each member serving another selflessly. Clearly the nature of this fellowship is meant to transfer to Kingdom people, who reflect God’s heart. If He is a partnership kind of God, we are to be a partnership kind of people.

This partnership can change our perspective of everything in God’s Kingdom. In light of His Spirit’s work within us, we pray with Him instead of praying to Him (Romans 8:26-27). We labor together with Him as His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). We speak His words and serve in His strength (1 Peter 4:11).

IN DEED

In the council room of this universe, don’t see yourself as sitting across the table from God. You and He are on the same side, talking and working together to accomplish His purposes. Because of His sovereign power, it doesn’t have to be that way; but His sovereign will has chosen this. He is thoroughly relational, and the partnership of the Trinity overflows into the fellowship of His people. We have to learn to work with Him rather than for Him. We are partners with heaven. It’s the only way for His mission to fit His nature.

ADDITIONAL READING: 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

Nearness to Christ, intimacy with Him, assimilation to His character—these are the elements of a ministry of power.

HORATIUS BONAR