Few words of Scripture cause more heart-stirring than the final ones in Matthew’s Gospel when Jesus tells his disciples to ‘go and make disciples of all the nations.’ And he gives this order based not on the sinless perfection or spiritual maturity of his disciples but on the all-encompassing power and authority that has been given to him. This leaves us with questions: When are we ‘ready’ to take on this gargantuan task? Can we launch out before all the sins in our life have been overcome? What number of Scripture verses must we have memorized? Should we first get an advanced degree in theology? Did Jesus not realize that the men before him still had issues to deal with?
I think Jesus was keenly aware that it was the inbreaking of the Kingdom; the sin-abolishing, once-for-all, perfect sacrifice on Calvary, that released his disciples on mission. The same is true today. We can do nothing without him. We are lost and totally ineffective without him. But Jesus answered that problem, too. He promised us we would always have him with us until this age ends! Incredible! The risen and reigning Son of God ready to accompany us on mission! We are simply commissioned as his ambassadors to carry out his orders. John Wimber was heard to say, ‘I’m just change in God’s pocket to be used as He sees fit.’
Habakkuk 2:14 prophesies that ‘the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord as the waters fill the sea.’ In the 2600 years since those words were penned, much has been done, and a great deal has been accomplished in the Lord’s name. However, much is left to be done. In particular, a great work is needed among the more than 68,000,000 precious souls currently living in France who have no awareness of God’s great love for them. Talk about overwhelming! For us, alone, that is. But we are not alone! Philippians 4:13, MIRROR, reads: ‘In every situation I am strong in the one who empowers me from within to be who I am.’
I don’t know about y’all, but I’m excited at the thought that whatever God asks of us, He is perfectly capable of bringing to fruition (despite our ‘help.’) As His ambassadors, our ‘going’ may be physical, it may be prayerful, it may be financial or all three. But everybody gets to play! Looking forward to seeing y’all tomorrow 10 AM, 3 PM UK. PD
