With a few years of experience (at the time of this writing) working in different organisations, I can testify that some organisations have well-crafted vision and mission statements. Because of why they exist, some ensure that every activity their employees do relates to that vision. Personally speaking, I find more joy in working in such places than others, where everyone comes and does whatever they like and moves away. The good news is that when it comes to God’s kingdom, this Jesus, who is our Lord and Saviour, also has a mission. However, it’s not just a mission for the Church but the whole universe. In this article, I am going to take you through it. Let’s read the theme scripture for this study.
[9] “(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? [10] He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)” – Ephesians 4:9-10 (NIV)
Download the PDF version of the study here
The law of humility
When it comes to fulfilling vision and mission, it always has to do with something huge. And in God’s kingdom, everything that has to do with volumes of impact requires humility from the vision career. Why? Because God lifts up those who humble themselves under His mighty hand, not those who are proud or mere possessors of great ideas (see James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6). Even Jesus, the Son, didn’t skip this process. That is why Ephesians 4:9 says He descended to the lower parts of the Earth, meaning He went to hell upon death and took the keys of Hades from the devil (see Revelation 1:18, Hebrews 2:14). He humbled Himself, even to the point of death on the cross. So, because of that, the Father exalted Him and gave Him a name above every other name (see Ephesians 2:8-10). And it is because of His authority that explains why He operates by His universal mission, even today.
Jesus is above all
The Bible says in Ephesians 4:10, “He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens…”. Based on this scripture, Jesus has ascended higher than all the heavens. The word “heavens” in the verse doesn’t refer to God’s abode as in “heaven”, but the skies and all solar systems as a whole. That means Jesus’ authority transcends above all, and that is why you should not be afraid about anything in life when you have Him. Is it the fear of not having enough? Use that high power to pray for resources to come. Is it about a job? He will provide. Just use the power within you because His Spirit dwells in you (see Romans 8:9).
However, confirming this doctrine of Jesus’ abode is good, so you’ll understand it well. In Revelation 1:10, the Bible says,
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,” – Revelation 1:10 (NKJV)
That was John speaking when he was about to experience the great revelation while residing on the Isle of Patmos. He encountered Jesus while he was in the Spirit. So Jesus’ residence, which is heaven, is a spiritual realm. No human scientific exploration of the universe can trace it. That is why no matter how much work NASA has put into all the universal research, they haven’t yet discovered heaven. It is an untraceable realm by humans. Besides, God has not given us heaven but Earth to explore and have dominion over (see Genesis 1:28, Psalm 115:16).
Fill the whole universe
In the same Ephesians 4:10, the Bible says Jesus’ entire mission is about filling the whole universe. Let me explain this with a simple analogy here. Assuming I have an empty water bottle that I want to fill with water. What do I do? I must have a sachet of water external to the bottle I will use. Right? And that bottle has to have an opening in which I can pour the water. Right? So, if Jesus is above all the heavens (the whole universe), then His mission is about pouring His influence throughout the entire universe, which He still does.
Two-way method Jesus is using to fulfil His dominion mandate
Since the universal mission of Jesus is so large, He doesn’t go about it randomly. There are structures He has put in place to ensure this mission works well. One of them is the demarcation of work. Interestingly, some business people use this principle to make millions, yet some believers don’t even understand it.
1. The demarcation of work
This way is seen in Ephesians 4:11-16. Jesus didn’t place all the ministerial office work in individuals. No! He gave some apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Because of the word “some” in Ephesians 4:11, it is possible that He has given other believers some divine giftings that are not written here. Today, if you are in ministry, knowing and understanding your specific calling is a requirement. Why? Because it is the key to determining which area in the body of Christ you are to function in so you can channel maximum energies there. Don’t be a jack-of-all-trades minister.
2. Personal encounters
Because Jesus is using believers to carry out His entire mission, there are some areas in the world where even preaching the gospel is a criminal offence. How can those people be turned unto righteousness so they can also fulfil their divine mandates in this universal mission of Jesus? That is where personal spiritual encounters come in. For some people, Jesus has to reveal Himself to them personally before they believe in Him.
Your part to play
You have a part to play in Jesus’ mission as a believer. If you are ordained to be in ministry, check whether God is calling you to start a new ministry or ways to serve in your local church. If you are ordained for business, use Biblical principles to establish your business, care for God’s people, and deal with poverty in several lives. Serve the Lord with gladness wherever you are. Never settle for mediocrity; always attempt to do great things for the Lord.
