On being sent

'As the Father has sent Me, I also send you' (John 20:21). The idea of being sent is an important one. A representative is sent on behalf of her company, an ambassador is sent on behalf of his country. Those who are sent have authority but only as they represent the sender. A police officer's authority is different when she is in uniform on duty to when she is out of uniform and off duty. The setting of conditions and the giving of abilities to carry out and enforce the task is not the responsibilty of the sent but of the Sender. We as Christians have been enpowered, and our power comes from the one that sent us. Our authority as Christians comes from being the 'sent' we represent Christ, but only as long as we function in His authority.