22/5/2020 – The Great Commission
It seems that through this pandemic almost everything has changed. Although we know that there is one thing that will never change. As the writer of Hebrews puts it, ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever’ (Hebrews 13:8).
We need to continually share the saving work of Jesus on the cross with everyone we come into contact with. This task can seem daunting and difficult, but it’s not more daunting or difficult now than at any other point in history.
The Great Commission in Matthew 28 should be a huge encouragement for us. Before giving an instruction, Jesus informs us that he has now been given all authority, both here on earth and in heaven (v18). Nothing happens that is outside of Jesus’ control. It is Jesus, and not the world, that gives us the opportunity to share our faith. Jesus gives us the words and phrases to use. It is Jesus that has the authority to soften the hearts and open the minds of those who are still rebelling against him. Jesus is in complete control of every situation because he has all authority in heaven and on earth.
After Jesus reminds us that he is in control, he instructs us to make disciples as we live out our lives waiting for his return. Jesus does not call us to save, he does not tell us to have the most logical and in-depth presentation of the gospel, one that is unable to be argued against. He call us to make disciples.
A disciple is a student, someone who goes to the master to learnt. We are to point people to Jesus so they can go to him and learn. Jesus will save them, Jesus will give them faith, Jesus will teach them to fear the Lord.
So make sure you go and introduce people to Jesus.
Prayer of the Day
Heavenly Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. I pray that you may grant me, according to the riches of your glory, to be strengthened with power in my inner being through your Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith. I pray that I might be rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of your love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that I may be filled with all the fullness of you. Now to you, who is able to do above and beyond all that I might ask or think according to the power that works in us — to you be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.