WEEK 5 - REAWAKENING TO THE MISSION OF CHRIST
This week, we will look at some of the things Jesus has called us to do as we live on mission with Him in this world. He defines and assigns the mission we are to carry out. May we carry it out in obedience and dependence!
DAY THIRTY FIVE - GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES - TIM MEIER
Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
In the familiar “Great Commission” text today, we have one primary temptation that threat- ens to weaken these verses and miss their point entirely. We may be led to believe that this commission is only for professional missionaries, a select few who are good at this sort of thing or simply crazy enough to move to another culture to spread the good news.
I, in no way, want to minimize the important call to leave one’s homeland and take the gospel to the least-reached places on earth. In fact, it’s this distinctive that I love about our Alliance family.
However, Jesus’ words in this passage are not to a few disciples on the top of a mountain or to those who have completed extensive cross-cultural training. His commission is for all of us.
It’s not easy to make disciples. It is uncomfortable at times, and feels downright impossible at others, to live our lives in such a way that brings light and truth to everyone around us, that invites people to follow Jesus, to surrender to Him, and then teach them about all that He has given to us.
Have we lost some discipleship fervor? Are we tempted to “outsource” this commission to someone else? May God give us new fire for those in our lives and new trust that it’s Jesus Himself who will draw them, do the work, and be with us forever.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Ask God to give you discipleship opportunities with one or two specific people this week.
2. Ask God to stir in you a passion for this kind of ministry.
3. Thank Jesus for His constant presence in your life and for fulfilling His promises.