Go!

Go!

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Matthew 28:19 KJV

The command here is to GO; not to fold our arms and watch the world go to pieces. The instruction is to those who are following Christ, who understand their calling, the One who calls, and the necessity of the assignment given. It is not for everyone; God says "How can they go unless there is a messenger? The messenger is the one who has heard the Word of God, responded to it, knows and understands the import of what s/he has heard and is willing to share that message with all to whom s/he is sent. That is the Great Commission.

The assignment is to teach all nations; not the ones that are convenient. If Christ died for all men, then there is no one beyond the grace of God. The assignment is to teach; not condemn. Grace is the message; the blood is the difference and eternal life is the prize. Every other thing the world offers is for this world, and it will pass with time.

And baptism is quite symbolic in this message, otherwise Christ won't teach it. It is an outward sign of an inner change; something that tells the world that you have decided to follow Christ and that you have died to the world and its attractions. Baptism symbolizes the death and resurrection of Jesus, and all who partake in it identify with the same process. It is not the proof of salvation, but a witness to the process and a reminder to you that you now have a new owner.

And the focus in all of these is clear: it must be God all the way. At all times, I must keep God as the focus of my life, activities and hope. Today's extract reminds me of what is truly important: possessions, position, power and privilege are all good, but the presence and pursuit of God are the most important things in this present life. What is your focus? What do you consider key? Are you on assignment or just existing? His time of favour is here.