The Commission

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 NIV

It has always been established that God is a God of purpose; everything he does is steeped in eternity. Nothing just happens, or happens by accident; everything is a result of careful planning and brilliant execution. When man was made, there was a plan. When man fell, God still had a plan. When man was restored back to God through the death of Jesus himself, this was the culmination of centuries of planning.

Now that the gift has been given and Life has been offered fully and freely,  what does God expect from those who have received that Life? Today's extract reveals  the endgame of God's purpose for giving his Son. First of all, he expects us to go and make disciples of all nations. People who have walked the walk are the ones who can show others the way. If you do not know where you are going, how can you show others the way? Secondly, those who have tasted of the Spirit can testify of his power and effect. We are to baptise men in the name of the Trinity, not first of all into our denominations and divisions. We were not the ones who died to redeem men, so we are not emphasizing creeds or denominations here. It is first about the power and  grace made manifest in Christ. Thirdly, we are to pass on the same message of love, grace and power that we have also received. We are not to keep the power to ourselves, but to share it with others. We teach, we admonish, we correct where necessary, we encourage, but we DO NOT keep quiet.  Fourthly, the assurance is that in all these, God promises us his ever-abiding presence. He says he will never leave us. It does not matter how things look around us, or what people say; what God says is more important that how things look. His Presence is not dependent on my qualifications or experience, but on his never-failing nature. Till we take our last breath on earth and relocate to the Promised land, his Presence never leaves us. In fact, this portion of the Bible is termed "The Great Commission". Check this out: he does not send me out on my own. It is his assignment, his ministry and his plan; I am just a coworker with him in what he is doing. It is a co- mission, a joint effort, God working with me to establish his kingdom here on earth.

Can God find me as a vessel in His hands? Can he count on me in these last days to be his hand and voice, reaching out and speaking out with his power and grace? This is the season of love; his love will not be in vain over our lives. His time of favour is here.