On The Go: The Great Commission
August 8, 2011“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15b
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20a
God wants to use each one of us. So it’s important that we push aside the tyranny of the urgent and really take time to figure out what matters most to God. In these last words of Jesus before He ascended into heaven, we see that He came to save and redeem—and that is the big deal of big deals! The Great Commission was given to the early church and it is still for us today.
com•mis•sion (noun) 1. A duty or task committed to a person or group to perform. 2. Authority to undertake or perform certain duties or functions. 3. A document granting such authority. Collins English Dictionary*
So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed. Mark 16:19-20
We have the abiding presence of the Equipper. Jesus said “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b). Ours is not a gospel that is impotent. The Lord worked with the disciples as they preached and miracles followed. When God calls you, He also equips you (Hebrews 13:20-21).
The Gospel is the power of God—as we speak it and live it, hearts will be opened and lives will be changed. But you can’t steer a parked car. It’s easy to get apathetic and stay put, but signs and wonders follow people on the go. So keep your eyes on Jesus and stay tuned to His Word. Press through disappointments, difficulties, and disillusionment. God will order your steps (Proverbs 16:9), and you can count on His goodness and mercy to follow you all the days of your life (Psalm 23:6).
Press on!
Pastor Jeff
Copyright © 2011 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. * Collins English Dictionary – Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition. HarperCollins Publishers.