God’s Mission for You
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20, ESV
The mission is clear. Just give it your best.
We had a newlywed issue. My wife would call with an errand for me to do on my way home — something like, “Please buy some tomatoes.” I would respond, “Sure, but…” What store should I go to? Roma, beefsteak, or vine-ripened? Organic? What price? How many? More if they’re on sale? My demanding every detail betrayed a prideful fear of failure and left my wife feeling unloved. I had to learn that taking initiative showed an eagerness which itself would please my wife. My wife also learned that I needed some context to know what she wanted. Now she calls and says something like, “Please get some tomatoes for burgers.” I say, “Sure” and give it my best, which always pleases her.
God has a mission for you, and he’s given you exactly the detail you need:
- Go. As you go about each part of life keep this commission in mind.
- Make Disciples. Openly follow Jesus with such passion and joy that others want to follow too.
- Baptize. Publicly welcome new followers to God’s family.
- Teach. Coach them in the same mission.
Pride raises many questions. Whom should I talk to? What should I say? When is the right time? What if I’m not a good disciple? What if they hate me or mock me? Love just gives its best. So go ahead; He will always be pleased. You can move forward with confidence knowing that he promises to be with you every step of the way.
“To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:18b-20, ESV
Application Questions:
How will the people in your life know Jesus is your passion and joy?
To whom can you speak His name today?
Take a moment respond in prayer to what this passage reveals about who God is, what He wants, what you need, and what you face.
Memory Verse: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV