Scripture: Matthew 28.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)

18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

I am touched by several things in these verses and observed several things commanded by Jesus for His disciples today, the church, even as He commanded His first disciples:

1. Jesus is in charge – many times we try so hard to push our own agendas, and this could either be the pastor or the leaders or even some of the influential members of a local church. However, we can see from Jesus’ statement in verse 18 that He has been given all authority not just in heaven, but also here on earth. This means that as a church, or a people, aiming to do God’s work, we had better keep our ears to the ground listening very closely to what Jesus commands, then follow His instructions, so that our efforts will not be in vain;
   
2. Make Disciples and Baptize Them – As we succeed in the above we are to encourage and make more just like us. In today’s vocabulary we call that ‘evangelizing’. Christianity is not a selfish act. We are to convince others to also accept and follow Jesus. We are then to baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Baptize people because baptism unites believers with Jesus Christ in their death to sin and their resurrection to new life. Baptism symbolizes submission to Christ, a willingness to live God’s way, and identification with God’s covenant people.
   
3. Teach them to obey God’s commands – Although I read this verse many times before, I though the verbiage here is interesting. ‘Teach them to obey’ tells me that these folk already know what to do, we just need to teach them to obey what they know – the commands of God. We call this ‘discipleship’ as we are to teach Christians what the Word says, and convince them to obey the Word. I believe it is evident that the Christian faith is not one where disciples/Christians sit and sour, but actively share the joy – both the Word and the witness of all that Jesus has done, and is doing in our lives.
   
4. God is with us as we go – what an awesome reassurance this is! Knowing that as we do these things commanded of us, He will be there with us ‘ALWAYS’. Praise be to God!
   

What an awesome reminder of the Great Commission of the church in this passage!

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Thank You for this awesome reminder this morning dear God. So often we, as Your church, lose sight of what You have ordered us to do, and we lose sight of who is in charge. I pray that we will always follow Your command here in this Great Commission for it clearly defines the work of the church. Thank You for Your direction and also Your assurance that You will be with us every step of the way. Thank You for reminding me that our Christian walk is very much an active role, and not one of just survival. I must share my faith and not just sit and let it soak in.