Devotional

Scripture Focus: John 20:19-23 | Acts 1:8 | Matthew 28:18-20

“As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” – John 20:21

The fishing boats along the shore of Lamu Island, Kenya, rocked gently with the rhythm of the Indian Ocean. Kito, a young fisherman whose hands knew the rough texture of nets and the pull of the tide, sat on the weathered wooden pier. His gaze was fixed on the horizon, not on the nets piled beside him, ready for mending. For weeks, a deep restlessness had stirred within him.

Ever since Easter Sunday, when his pastor had preached with fiery passion about the resurrection, something inside Kito had stirred. A quiet conviction had taken root: God wanted more from him, or perhaps, with him. But the thought was quickly followed by a wave of self-doubt. He wasn’t educated. He wasn’t bold. He wasn’t the kind of person God would send anywhere important. At least, that’s what he told himself. The familiar shuffle of his grandfather interrupted his internal debate. Babu Juma approached, leaning on his intricately carved wooden cane.

“You’re staring at the ocean like it’s going to answer you, mjukuu (grandson),” Babu Juma observed, his eyes twinkling with ancient wisdom.

Kito sighed, finally voicing his turmoil. “Babu… I think God wants me to do something. But I don’t know what. And I don’t think I’m the right person.” Babu Juma chuckled, a warm, rumbling sound. “Ah. Then you sound exactly like the disciples.”

Jesus Finds Us Where We Are: Peace in Our Imperfection

Babu Juma sat beside Kito, the pier wood creaking under his weight. “You know,” he began, “after Jesus rose from the dead, He didn’t go looking for perfect people. His disciples had gone back to their business. He went looking for fishermen, for doubters, for those who had failed Him. Peter was back on a boat, trying to return to his old life. Thomas was drowning in doubt, demanding proof. The others were hiding behind locked doors, paralyzed by fear. And Jesus walked right into their fear, into their confusion, and said, ‘Peace be with you’ (John 20:19).” He nudged Kito’s shoulder gently. “Jesus doesn’t wait for you to be ready, mjukuu. He comes to where you are, in your mess, in your doubt, in your ordinary life.”

Jesus Sends Us: Purpose Before Perfection

Babu picked up one of Kito’s nets and began mending it with practiced, rhythmic movements. “Do you know what Jesus told them next?” he asked. Kito shook his head. Babu quoted softly, “‘As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you’ (John 20:21).” Kito frowned. “But they weren’t ready. They were still afraid.” “Exactly,” Babu said, tying a knot with precision. “And Jesus sent them anyway. Remember this, Kito: God doesn’t send the prepared. He prepares the sent.”

This is the profound truth of God’s love: He doesn’t wait for us to achieve some level of spiritual perfection before He calls us. He calls us in our imperfection, and then, through His power, He equips us for the mission. Our qualification isn’t our resume; it’s His commission.

Jesus Equips Us: The Wind of the Spirit

The wind picked up, carrying the invigorating smell of salt and seaweed. Kito whispered, “But what if I fail? What if I don’t have the words?” Babu smiled. “The disciples failed many times. But Jesus didn’t send them out alone. He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’ (John 20:22).” Then, Babu pointed to the ocean, where a traditional canoe sailed gracefully. “When a canoe sets sail, the captain doesn’t rely on his own strength to cross the vast ocean. He waits for the wind. The wind carries him farther than his arms ever could. The Spirit, Kito, is your wind. He will give you the words, the courage, the wisdom. You are not sent with your own strength, but with His divine power.”

Jesus Sends Us: Right Where We Are

Babu stood and motioned for Kito to follow him down the pier. “You think God will send you far away, to some distant land,” he said. “But sometimes He sends you right where you already are.” He gestured to the familiar scene: the fishermen hauling nets, the children chasing each other along the sand, the women selling fresh fruit under the swaying palm trees. “Your mission field is not somewhere else, mjukuu. It starts here. With your people. With your story. With your life. You don’t need to be a theologian to share the good news. You just need to tell what you’ve seen, what you know, and witness to the One who rose.”

Sent with Purpose

They reached the end of the pier. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold. Kito took a deep breath, the ocean breeze filling his lungs. “Babu… I think I’m supposed to start a small Bible study with the young fishermen. They trust me. They listen to me. Maybe that’s where God wants me to begin.” Babu’s eyes sparkled. “Ah. Now you’re hearing Him.”

Kito looked out at the waves – no longer afraid, no longer uncertain. He didn’t feel ready, not in the way he once thought. But he felt sent. And that was enough. Because the risen Christ doesn’t send us out with perfection; He sends us out with purpose, with peace, with power, and with His abiding presence. The love that rises is the love that sends, and the love that sends walks with you every step of the way.

A Moment to Pause and Reflect

Where is Jesus sending you today? Into a conversation you’ve been avoiding? Into a relationship that needs healing? Into a workplace that needs light? Into a calling you’ve been resisting? Into a community that needs hope?

Remember this profound truth:

You are not sent because you are strong. You are sent because He is risen. The love that triumphs over death is the same love that empowers you to live a life of purpose, right where you are.

Prayer

Risen Lord, thank You for Your love that sends us out into the world. Forgive us for our doubts and for feeling unqualified. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, our divine wind, and empower us to share the hope of Your resurrection with those around us. Open our eyes to see the mission field right where we are, and give us the courage to step out in faith, knowing that Your presence goes with us every step of the way. Amen.

This Week’s Practice

This week, identify one small way you can be “sent” in your everyday life. You might start a conversation about your faith. You could offer practical help to a neighbor. You can also bring a spirit of hope to your workplace. Don’t overthink it; just take one step. Journal about the experience and how you felt God’s presence and power. Let this practice deepen your understanding that you are an active participant in God’s ongoing story of love and redemption.