SCRIPTURE:
'Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”'
Matthew 28:19-20
OBSERVATION:
Jesus dies, rises and then commissions to “go”! It’s our mission statement, it’s our marching orders, it’s our game plan. I’m good at “going”, wired to complete task. If you’re not, you’re left on the sideline watching. But today I’m reminded that before “going” I need to fall on my knees in prayer and lift my hands in worship and make sure I’m also “being”.
APPLICATION:
Jesus’ great commission is clear and concise. But what I fail to focus on is what precedes and proceeds His command. Let’s start with the later…
After imploring the disciples to “go” He doesn’t stop there. He says, “I am with you always, to the very end.” I think of Billy the Kid in Young Guns, when surrounded by their attackers he turns to Doc and says, “let’s finish the game.” It’s why Doc left his good life and family to follow Billy; he knew Billy would be there to the very end. I like to think Jesus knew that His command might not be enough to rally the troops so he added this little tag, “I want you to go, and I’ll be right there with you.”
Now, right before He commissions them Matthew writes that when they saw Jesus some worshiped and some doubted. I believe that those that worshiped were the best “go-ers”! I believe that those who put their complete faith and trust in Jesus were able to bring the Gospel in relevant and real ways that brought many to the Kingdom. I also believe the doubters had some success too, but not at the same fruitfulness of those who worshiped and believed. What I’m reminded here today is that Jesus is with me no matter what, but before I “go” I need to know to bow down and worship. He is the reason for all things and the source of all things. It’d be plain foolish to go it alone.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for orchestrating opportunities to present the Gospel the best way I know how. Help me to not get caught up in the plan but to be aware of Your presence. I pray for your peace and power to fall in every effort You’ve called me to and Your Holy Spirit leads me through. Use me Jesus. I bow my head in worship and cling to Your presence in my life.
