Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 (NLT)
In previous articles, we have covered growing and glowing. In this concluding post we will examine Christ’s Great Commission to the church to go. While most of us do not have any objections to the concept of growing and even glowing, the thought of going is likely to bring apprehension. We may agree in principle, but reality is daunting.
An examination of the history of the church in the book of Acts seems to indicate that the church did not go far until they faced persecution. We tend to be comfortable in “home, sweet home.” When we talk about going people’s knees begin to tremble, and fears and apprehensions arise. Back in the day, Scott Wesley Brown wrote a song that began like this, “Please Don’t Send Me to Africa, I Don’t Think I’ve Got What It Takes.”
God does not call everyone to leave their home. In fact, the majority of Christ’s followers should grow, and let their light shine where God has placed them. Paul urges believers to offer various kinds of prayer for those who are in authority: “so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:2 (NLT)
What Does It Mean to Go?
Scott Wesley Brown’s song is in contrast to one of an earlier generation that said, “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go Dear Lord.” Setting aside for a moment the call to be a foreign missionary what did Jesus mean when he said, “Go into All the World?”
When Jesus said go, did he mean go into various countries, cities, and lands? Perhaps, but the Greek word for world is Kosmos, and it allows for a broader interpretation. It can refer to every segment of society. We go into the marketplace, the schools, places of business, into government, and even to our next-door neighbor.
We don’t have to worry about Africa, we just need to be ready to witness of the saving grace and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever we are. A literal translation of Matthew 28:19 is: “As you are going, make disciples!”
Whether near or far, we are on the go through life. Peter reminds us: Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG)
As we saw with the early church, God will get us out of our comfort zones by whatever means necessary. Finally, here is Paul’s admonition: Walk in the wisdom of God as you live before the unbelievers, and make it your duty to make him known. Colossians 4:5 (TPT)
He Went, Not Knowing Where He Was Going
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8 (NLT)
In the days before cars or phones were equipped with GPS, I would get in the car and just start driving. I have a fairly good sense of direction so I would never admit to being lost, although there were a few times when I wandered for a while because I do not like to ask for directions.
Abraham left the comforts of the familiar to obey the call of God. Do not make the mistake in thinking that a life of faith is easy or without challenges. Abraham would be tested many times. Even when he had received the promise of an heir God put him to the test once again. The fulfillments of all of the promises that God made to Abraham would not be seen in his lifetime.
Stepping out in answer to the call of God will be viewed as a risky move by those close to us. It is a dimension of faith that few people understand. We do not exercise faith by sitting still and waiting for God to do something. Call it a leap of faith, or something else, but know that Abraham could not come into the promised until he left his place of security and ventured out by faith.
Get Ready to Go
And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.” Luke 24:49 (CSB)
This message is a challenge to live out the Great Commission. To be effective we must first grow and glow. We do this by spending time in God’s presence, growing in the word, and receiving the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
The glow that we receive when we spend time with Jesus makes all the difference in the world. It is not only a glow, but it is power. I am confident that most people would agree that growing up is good, though sadly, some people grow old without growing up.
Likewise, I believe that most Christians would like to glow brightly, but spending time with Jesus in the secret place, is not among their highest priorities. In short, as we have grown up in Christ, and as we glow because we live in his presence, we fulfill Matthew 5:16. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16 (NLT)
I know that I have referred to two songs already in this post, but there is a third one which nicely summarizes what is in my heart on this topic:
We've a story to tell to the nations,
that shall turn their hearts to the right,
a story of truth and mercy,
a story of peace and light,
a story of peace and light.
Whether at home or on a foreign mission field, we have a message that the world needs to hear. Our call may be to our family and friends, or it may be far away, but remember, it’s time to go.
Steve Ekeroth