Point #1 The Great Commission is NOT a suggestion – but a command
Point #2 You have a Message
Point #3 You have a Role
I’m going to provide the scripture on the Great Commission from 2 version: first the Amplified and then the Message. Part of the reason I’m sharing in this way is my belief that we need to read what we are studying in more that one version so that we can see the same message in different expressions. Matthew 28: 18-20
“Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”
“Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”
You can see that the Lord said – disciples, not Apostles. And this is who we’ve become – disciples – when we accept the Lordship of Jess. And the instructions are quite clear, as well as Jesus’ promise: ‘I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ That age hasn’t ended – even 2000 years later. Never equate age and years. If the age had ended, then we would need to look at the last chapters in Revelation as our guide.
Perhaps it’s the Go that has you concerned and you respond by saying that you aren’t a minister or a missionary. And you may not be called to the farthest reaches of this world. But you are called – we all are. There’s your family, your children, your friends, your next door neighbor, your co-worker, the cashier checking you out with your purchases. The opportunities are there. All of these people are important. Accepting Jesus as Lord is a life changing event that should be celebrated! And this defines your ‘go’.
As an aside, I’ve always felt that those who are called to various places that seem threatening have a sense of peace and confidence about the Lord’s particular call on their lives. My other thought is that the Lord never wastes anything and though we are tested, we are never tempted nor placed in a position of failure. He enhances what we have and can do. Also… we witness every day by our words and actions whose we are and what we believe. People are attracted to those who are living life fully. 1 Peter 3: 14-15
“Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick.” [MSG]
Obviously, the choice is yours, the Father has also given us free will… but You do have a part in the Great Commission and it’s according to who you are becoming. But you can embrace it and experience the blessings that come from doing this.
Next: Point #2
