The Great Commission
OPENING PRAYER:
God help me to take a step forward today. Give me guidance as I consider how I can be a part of your bigger story.
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And, surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
REFLECT:
What is a commission? Merriam-Webster defines commission as this: a task or matter entrusted to one as the agent for another. Jesus’s final command to his followers is to go out and tell others the good news of his life, death, and resurrection. These are the instructions that he left for us as we wait for his triumphant return.
This seems completely overwhelming. To think about being an agent for Jesus’ message on earth feels like it is something beyond what we could accomplish. But Jesus did not ascend into Heaven and leave us alone here to figure it out. Jesus says that he is with us always.
God has given us his Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 says: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The Holy Spirit gives us power and confidence so that we can proclaim Jesus’ message.
God also has given us his church. The body of believers around us can help support us and provide comfort as we go forward to tell others about Jesus. I feel so much better about this commission knowing that I do not have to do it alone.
APPLY:
Let the Holy Spirit guide you this week. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says: “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” Let the Holy Spirit continue to transform you to be more like Christ so that you may be better able to fulfill this great commission we have been given. Connect to the body of Christ, the church, so that you have support as you fulfill this mission from God.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to guide me and give me confidence as I follow your will in my life. Help me to clearly see what you are calling me to.
WORSHIP: