It's Not the "OK" Commission

Sometimes I forget about the Great Commission. As if it’s hiding away in Matthew - a passage of power, directive, and promise, just slipped into the book as an afterthought, a little “by the way.” But that’s not true. It’s not the “lousy commission,” or the “maybe commission.” It’s the Great Commission! It’s got oomph!

So maybe I don’t forget so much as avoid it. With His authority, this is what Jesus tells His followers to do. He tells them to travel far, speak boldly, make a difference. That’s a pretty big deal. What if I’m too afraid, don’t know what to say, or feel insignificant? What if I don’t know how? 

Jesus tells the disciples to share of the miracles they saw, the things they learned, the risks they took; the bruises and blisters, cuts and scars they acquired; the long and cold nights, the responsibility, the meltdowns and times of doubt; when they leaned on each other and laid their heads in Jesus’s lap, and when they discussed and laughed with each other and with the Son of God over food and drink, or around a fire. He tells them to speak from where they are, and who they are. He tells them to share an opportunity with those who don’t yet know the wonder of living life with the King. He knows the gravity of this send-off; He knows what’s coming for His followers: ridicule, persecution, exile, death. And yet He still tells them to go. Because it’s not the “meh commission.” It’s great. It’s one of the most important things a follower of God will ever do. It’s no surprise, then when Jesus tells His followers that He’ll be right by their side, no matter what. 

When the One who has all authority, who gave me this responsibility and gift and path to take, says that He's with me until the end of the age, I know I’m covered. And I know, despite the fear and risks, that I want to be a part of something great. 

Matthew 28:16-20

Do God's Work

Many years ago I travelled frequently on business. At first blush travelling to Chicago, New York, Amsterdam, Madrid, San Diego, Dallas, Frankfurt, Paris, Bordeaux, Nice and Rome can seem glamorous.  And at first it is glamorous.

 

However, over time, I came to loathe it.

My plane is not even shown in this picture

Flight delays, circling airports during thunderstorms, missed connections, flight delays, taxi drivers taking me to the wrong hotel, more flight delays,  locked out of my room on the balcony of my fourth floor room, lost luggage, cancelled flights, airport bomb scares, … , the list goes on and on (did I mention flight delays?).

 

I was not preaching the Gospel; I was merely trying to earn a living!

 

Today’s reading, Acts 27:1-44, is about one of the (arguably) worst trips in recorded history. Paul was travelling from Caesarea to Rome and in one trip he went through more than I went through in all my business travels combined.

 

Paul was preaching the Gospel; He was doing God’s work.

 

So was I doing God’s work? Well, I was not on the front line like Paul, but perhaps I was doing God’s work.

 

All Christians have a vocation. It includes worshipping God. Most of us have occupations, and some of us are called to be parents. Our vocation also includes being a member of a congregation that proclaims the love of Jesus to the world.

 

Earning a living meant travel, and that meant I was bound to have to put up with all the frustrations of travel. It also meant that I would have an income, and would have the wherewithal to contribute to my congregation.

 

By giving, I was playing a part, albeit small, in proclaiming God’s Message. I was not in a position in my life to go on mission trips, but I was in a position to give. God had blessed my family and I financially and it was only proper that I give back. The spiritual blessings my family and I received were immense!

 

Be a contributing member of a faithful congregation. Do God’s work. Give.

Travel Stories

Have you ever been on a trip, returned home and wanted to share what you saw with your friends and family? Photos were shared and many stories about the travel and the food were no doubt discussed.

Today’s story, Acts 14:26-28, is a lot like that. Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch where they left two years earlier to preach. The Antioch Christians wanted to hear of their travels and wanted to hear the things God had accomplished through them.

Paul and Barnabas had visited many towns and cities in modern day Turkey as well as the Island of Cyprus. They encountered sorcerers, abusive crowds, Jews who stoned Paul, and even people who thought Paul was a god. The stories must have been incredible!

But that is far from the best part. God “had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” The Gospel was now available, not just for the Jews, but for all people, everywhere!

This no doubt caused some problems. The Jews and Gentiles were not exactly the best of friends, although they tolerated each other. There were significant cultural differences and significant religious differences.

Paul’s preaching bridged the gap between the religious differences. The saving grace of God through Christ’s death and resurrection was meant for even the Gentiles. Christ displaced the multiple gods that the Greeks had, such as Hermes, Zeus, Neptune, Artemis and so forth. However, the Jewish Christians were going to have to live with many of the cultural differences, regardless how distasteful some of them might be.

Today we have the same obligation to preach Christ crucified that Paul had 2000 years ago. Our risk of being stoned or driven out of town for doing this is probably remote. However, we do have to deal with cultures that are different than we are used to, and I am not speaking of just ethnic differences.

There are things that some non-Christians do that irritate me. However, when trying to reach them with Christ, I have to overlook my irritation and carry out my assignment.

That is what Paul did, and that is what I can do too!