The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative develops and coordinates American trade. Its mission is to foster U.S. business all around the world. Like any effective organization, it has policies and procedures and a group of competent people. Principles and procedures were at work when Jesus our Lord selected apostles to represent Him while he was here on earth. We read in Matthew Chapter 10 that for his specific mission to the Jewish nation, Jesus sent out 12 apostles with detailed instructions: They were to announce that the long-awaited Messiah had arrived. To back up their message, Jesus gave them power to do as He did—to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons. They were to go in haste and to carry no extra luggage or baggage. They should expect rejection and trouble. Their mission was to represent not themselves but Jesus the Messiah. Like the apostles of old, we as followers of Christ today are called to represent Him in our homes, in our schools, on the job—or wherever life takes us. Knowing we represent Jesus Christ, the King of kings, should make us conscious of our conduct.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
