Since We’re going

Matthew 28:16-20    Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.  And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.  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.”

 These words of Jesus have been the cause of a lot of teaching in the Church down through the ages.  Many, possibly countless, sermons have been preached emphasizing this final command of Christ to His disciples.  They had to go and make disciples.  Even among those who attempt to properly divide Law and Gospel, these words are seen as a new law, a twelfth commandment.  (After “love one another” of course.)  At the very least this is a “Gospel imperative,” something we must do after we have been changed by the Gospel of Christ.

 It sounds good.  It makes sense.  It appeals to our thinking.  God has done so much for us; this is what we must do for Him.  It wraps up everything in a nice, sweet bow.  The words, however, Jesus uses just don’t bear this out.

 You see, this is less a command, and more a statement of fact.  Jesus words aren’t “Go!” like saying, “Sit” to a schnauzer.  It’s a lot closer to “as you are now going” or “since you’re going.”  As the saved from the world, as the forgiven of all our sins, as the resurrected from the dead, we have been changed.  As we go into the world that is still clouded with sin, controlled by the prince of the power of the air, and destined for destruction and hell, we will stand out.  By the forgiveness, love, grace, and renewal that are given to us by Jesus by His sacrifice on the cross and His rising from the grave, we are completely different from anyone else around us.  And because of that difference, because of that love given to us, because we have been made brothers and sisters of Christ, because we are now citizens of God’s kingdom, we will want to make disciples.  We will want to share His love.  We will desire to be the one to bring others to the knowledge of Jesus.

 We begin to spread the news of God in small ways.  The cars that are in the parking lot every Sunday morning.  The people that invite us for one event or another, only to be politely refused because of a service or church event.  Everyone who sees the cross around your neck or receive your well wishes of “Merry Christmas,” get a glimpse of Christ’s love.  An even better contact comes to those, who after relaying a trouble hear, “Well, I’ll pray for you.”

 All that Jesus is doing through you, without you knowing.  But why should Jesus have all the fun?  Why should He do these things through you without you knowing it happen?  So invite those close, or closer than that, or even those closest to you to come and hear of Christ.  Say more than, “I’ll pray for you,” and say, “I’ll pray for you to the One who loves and saves us all.”  Be amazed by what a few words, a little hug, a few steps out of the way, or a hand-up can do with the love of God behind it.

 As we go, with our eyes open and our hands outstretched.  As we go, purposely looking out for something to do and someone to help.  As we go, conducting our own business, but squeezing in some of Jesus’ as well.  As we are living our lives how can we stop from spreading the news of Jesus’ life.  Since as we go, His Life, His Death, and His Resurrection changes everything.  It’s changed us.  We just have to stop hiding it.

 In His peace,  

Pastor Red