“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and
teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
After
the resurrection, as Jesus prepared to ascend into Heaven - He gave us marching
orders… “Go and make disciples.”
It
seems we have altered the orders and have become satisfied to stay and judge,
instead of going and making.
In
football terms, Jesus’ says to play offense. His directive has four parts
- go, make, baptize, teach…These are all verbs calling for action to gain
ground for the Kingdom of God.
First
- “go” … find the lost…not lure them to church. Do not stay where you are
comfortable - launch a rescue mission and go and get them.
Second
- He says make disciples – Not win arguments…not embarrass them for not knowing
the truth – love them onto the team - make them followers…and teach them how to
live like Jesus.
Third
“baptize” – baptism symbolizes death and rebirth…There is no hint of self-help
here…Jesus did not say “go help them improve”…He said, go make them aware of
their inability to be righteous - and allow the Holy Spirit to redeem them and
make them new creations.
Finally,
He says - teach them to obey my commands. He did not say make them comfortable
in their sin…or find loopholes in scripture so it is acceptable to the
culture…” He said, “Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” These
are not suggestions and the offer is non-negotiable. The truth is all we have
to offer.
The
great commission was not a sales pitch…It was a directive from the Creator of
the Universe to move forward… Do not misunderstand…defense is important – we
abstain from sin, we resist temptation, we avoid unholiness…but our orders are
to advance.
Re-evaluate
your plan today. Are you advancing…or are you just trying not to
lose? God says nothing can separate us from His love. Our salvation is
sealed by His blood – no need to play prevent defense - so play to win.
Find
the lost, love them, convert them, baptize them, and teach them. Have no fear –
run to the battle and change the world for the better. - Go!
“Making
disciples of Jesus is the overflow of the delight in being disciples of Jesus.”
― David Platt
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