April 17 - Congrats, Now Go!

Matthew 28:16-20

Maybe it’s because we’re about to enter graduation season (whatever that may look like this year), but when I read the Great Commission this time, I thought of students donning caps and gowns and preparing for the next chapter of their lives.  For years they’ve been learning best practices from teachers and professors.  Some may have served as interns or apprentices and now they’re given a chance to put what they’ve learned into action - on their own.

The Great Commission is like Jesus’ commencement speech.  He’s telling the disciples that they’ve been given the tools they need to be successful in the world, it’s now time to “Go” and do what they’ve been taught to do.  But he assures them they will not be alone.  He’ll always be with them.

Stepping into a new way of life after graduation can be scary.  Those who were students, become the teachers.  It’s their turn to pass on their knowledge to others.  That was the point of Jesus coming to earth, wasn’t it?  He wasn’t meant to only touch the lives of a few, but through his instruction and example, he mentored 12+ who would go out and continue his mission - creating a chain of reaction that would last for centuries.

Jesus, thank you for the instruction you provided and thank you to all those who shared your lessons.  Each day we are called to pass on what we’ve learned from you.  May we always remember the importance of our mission and rest in the comfort of knowing that when life gets scary, you’ll always be with us.  Amen

The Great Co-Mission

Matthew 28:18-20

If we are transformed by Christ, then we are called to put that transformation into action.  What good is being transformed if we don’t do something with it?!  We’re transformed for a reason and at the top of the list is discipleship.

Now I’m not talking about standing on a street corner, with a sign, shouting “Repent and be saved.”  That kind of discipleship doesn’t work for me, but I do like the idea of forming relationships with people and sharing my story.

In today’s passage, Jesus addresses the disciples and tells them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (v. 18).  That’s a powerful statement.  It demonstrates that Father and Son are one.  Jesus has all the power that God has and so what he’s about to say is not a suggestion, but a command.

Charles Spurgeon wrote “Power in the hands of some people is dangerous, but power in the hands of Christ is blessed.  Oh, let him have all power!  Let him do what he will with it, for he cannot will anything but that which is right, and just, and true and good.”

We can rest in the knowledge that what we’re called to do – teach others what we have been taught – is for the absolute good of the kingdom.  Although we may think we don’t have the right personality for discipleship or that we’ll use the wrong words and mess things up, Jesus assures us, like he did his apostles, … “I am with you always” (v. 20).

We are not alone as we carry out his mission, or rather, Co-Mission.  As we share his message, HE is the one leading the way.  He is the one giving us what we need to succeed.  It’s through the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit that we are called to use our transformation towards the transformation of others.  What a wonderful way to serve our God!

       

Matthew 28: 20

                “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

What a beautiful thing. We are never alone. Even if the broken road we are on is not what we had planned, we do not journey on our own. Though at times we may feel lonely because our loved ones are far away, or have gone home to be with the Lord, we can always share moments with our God. That place of peace amidst this hectic and corrupt world awaits us. This quiet, tranquil place lies within us. It is not a specific location, it is anywhere, for whatever is happening in our life, we can talk with Him, cry with Him, share a beautiful sunset with Him, walk through the snow with Him, drive to work with Him, have lunch with Him, cry out to him in pain, share our grief with Him, love and laugh with Him. He has told us time and again; “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The bible reminds us of God’s presence in our lives in multiple places, and in different ways. Why then, do we seem to forget?

John 8: 12: Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Matthew 7:7: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.

Psalm 23:1-6; A Psalm of David; The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows….

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.

Let us be reminded of His unfailing love, and simply “be with Him” throughout our day. It’s so comforting to have a friend by our side.

Listen to/Read Matthew 28:20