“Go”
The mandate to go is found in Matthew 28:19, which more fully reads; “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit”
There is so much in this short verse. We could discuss the word therefore, which would give us a need to more fully understand the prior verse that states; “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.’”
Books upon books have been written on making disciples and yet much of the church still does not understand the need or process of true discipleship. While both of these need attention it is not the focus point for today. Neither is the subject of baptism, the trinity or other things that the verse brings forward.
Go!
This is what the Lord is speaking to me today and what I want to share with you. Go, very simple and yet so complex. Going requires an understanding of the purpose, importance, authority and goals. It also requires that we take action, which may be met with resistance by fear, insecurity or any number of other challenges.
We should be able to quickly agree on the purpose, lost souls and their need to be discipled. There are so many who simply do not know Christ. They have never heard a clear presentation of the gospel. There are also those who have heard the gospel at one time, but have never responded. They all need Jesus! They all need discipleship. Facing eternity without Christ is the worst thing I can imagine. How about you?
The recent passing of my younger sister has brought this issue back into clear focus for me. Being separated by thousands of miles was difficult. Having limited communication was even more difficult. I knew that someone in addition to her brother needed to “go” to her. Who would go? That was the question. The Lord brought a pastor friend to mind and yes, he went with a joyful heart and did what he could.
As this event unfolded in my life two things became clear topics of thought. First, who was in my sister’s life that was called to “go” and make a disciple? Was there a co-worker? Was there a friend? Was there a minister? As it became apparent that these were really unanswerable questions the Lord prompted me with the second thought.
Are there more people who I am called to “go” to and make disciples of? Are there people in my life who I am neglecting? Are there better ways for us to connect with people so that we can make disciples? The answer is yes, yes, yes.
I am surrounded by someone’s sister, brother, mother, father or friend. Without a doubt there are people praying for those who God is sending me to. What an awesome opportunity. There is no greater work or opportunity in life than to partner with God and make disciples.
With all that said, let’s not forget that we need to “go”. More education isn’t the answer. More resources aren’t the answer. The real answer is simply going. Will you go with me?
