Go!

Go!

‭Matthew 28:19-20 KJV‬

[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

These are the last words of Jesus to his disciples, before he instructed them to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit, and then went back to heaven. It is important to note that he addressed only His disciples here, not the crowd. The instruction is for those who have received from Him to take of the abundance of grace they have received and pass it on to other people. The instruction requires people who have been discipled to also take the time to also disciple others and lead them to Christ. As Christ had taken time to instruct the disciples, molding them into men who could stand for the truth of the gospel, so were they expected to also take time to raise men who will also be established and grounded in the knowledge and experience of God. This cycle of discipleship and discipline will continue until Jesus, the Master Discipler returns to take all his disciples home. 

The reason why only disciples are instructed this way is because a man cannot give what he does not have. You can only take out of what you have stored up. What would I give to men who are helpless and hopeless, if I am also in need of help? Discipleship takes time and effort, and part of its lessons is the practical application of the lessons I have been taught. The gospel of Christ is the good news of his birth, death and resurrection. He is the reason for the hope that I have, and I know that His life has secured my own life too. There is no one who is exempt from the benefits of this good news, and that is why all nations are to be given the good news. One who has received, and knows the value of a precious gift, will not keep it to himself. The message is specific: TEACH and BAPTIZE. Fill men with the truth about Jesus, so that they can experience His death, and also attain to His resurrection. 

I note that I am not left alone to fend for myself or to labour by my own strength. The verses above are referred to as 'The Great Commission'. It is a co-mission between Christ and I, his disciple. The work will not get done without His help and leading, and lives will not be changed by grammar or diction, but by the empowerment of the One who actually commanded the work. It is His field and creation, and the gift on offer is valid for all time. No matter how hard it gets, how long it takes or how resistant people are, Jesus asks me not to worry about man's opinions. Nowhere in the 2 verses above did Jesus mention the reaction of men. I just have to focus on the One who sends out, and allow Him work in and through me that which is His perfect will. Am I his? Can He command and direct me to walk with, and work for Him? God's time of favour is here.