"Go, 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".
The early church referred to this as the “Great Commission”. Webster defines a “COMMISSION” as “an authorization or command to act in a prescribed manner or to perform prescribed acts: a CHARGE”.
Many of Today’s Christians seem to think of it as less of a commission and more of a suggestion. Our goal seems to have changed into isolating ourselves from the crowd and hunkering down in “holy huddles”, so we don’t get soiled by the sinners.
Even when we are “evangelical”, we are much more about “come” to our church, than we are about “go” out to foreigners and strangers. I am not sure how this new goal got started but it seems to have little to do with the original mandate.
When they asked Jesus what the greatest commandment was, He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and He added “love your neighbor as yourself”.
So, the commandment dovetails perfectly with the commission. It is natural to tell the neighbor you love; about the God you love. In other words, if you believe the greatest commandment, you will fulfill the great commission.
All of God’s commands work this way…They make sense and work together. It is when we choose to follow only the ones we agree with, that our life becomes fragmented and confusing.
“Go” …and make disciples everywhere. Love people enough to tell them about your Heavenly Father. Tell them about the amazing grace that saved you and changed you….
This will require getting out of your easy chair and leaving your comfort zone, but it is not called the great “suggestion”, so let’s get moving. You can spread the gospel without loving, but you cannot love without spreading the gospel.
It is hard work, but it is not complicated. Nothing in this world compares to the value of leading just one soul to salvation. So, you decide, will today be another useless waste of time chasing temporary adornments – or will you tell someone the truth and lead them to a knowledge that will change their eternal destiny?
“Untold millions are still untold.”
― John Wesley
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