It seems pertinent that I share some exciting news about my next step in life along with this blog post, because they go hand in hand. I am going back on the mission field to serve as a leader for the Expedition Route!! This route focuses the 10/40 Window- the rectangular area go the globe that contains billions of “unreached” people who have never heard the Gospel. I am fundraising to launch this January and will be gone for 4 months. Why? Is the Great Commission that great? It really is. Jesus really is.
When God enters into the lives of men and women in the Bible to do great things—extraordinary, radical, impossible things—God reveals who He is and that He’ll always be with them. The same applies to us today!
For example, take a look at Exodus 3:1-14. Moses essentially says to God,
“Who am I that I should be the one to rescue the Israelites?!” God’s response is, “But I will be with you… I AM WHO I AM.”
This is twofold: God affirms His steadfast presence with His people and then confirms His identity through His authority.
Years later when Moses passes away, God commissions Joshua and his people to arise and go to the land God had promised them.
“Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you… Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you WHEREVER you go.” (Joshua 1:1-9).
Today as a Christ follower, God promises not only that He is WITH us and FOR us, but He lives INSIDE of us by the Holy Spirit. This is why we have a new identity. Romans 8:14-17 proclaims,
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are Sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”
We get to live out a life like Jesus taught and demonstrated because we are co-heirs with him. The same Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead lives INSIDE of us! John 14:12 explains that believers can do greater works than Jesus because He is going to the Father and we will receive the Holy Spirit. He is ALIVE IN US! Furthermore, Acts 1:8 empowers us to share the gospel everywhere we go and to the ends of the earth. This is literally wherever you go— your work place, city, gym, classroom, grocery store, family, or overseas.
Let’s look closely at The Great Commission.
“And Jesus came and said to them [disciples], ‘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.’” (Matthew 28:18-20 with emphasis)
Once again God confirms His identity by proclaiming His authority and then affirms His presence with His people by promising to always be with them.
Before we begin the actions of “go, make, baptize, teach,” we ourselves must be confident in God’s presence and authority in our own lives. We must be assured in who He is and that He’ll always be with us. The Great Commission is not about preforming and “doing.” It’s about worship. We live out this commission in our daily lives as an act of worship. It’s all about being in awe of who He is and that He is FOR us. And in response to this awe and grace, our actions begin to imitate Christ and we begin to find joy in spreading this good news! THIS. This is what is so great about the Great Commission. It is the outpouring of love, which we first received from Jesus. It is a reaction to love.
So how does this all practically play out in our lives today?
Believe in His authority.
First, we as disciples are commissioned by the King. We must believe in and submit to the authority of Christ. The Great Commission starts with a claim, not just a command. Christ died for all people groups, tribes, tongues, and nations. He rules over all people everywhere— 7+ billion people on earth and 11,000+ people groups. However, there are still 6,000+ people groups who are unreached with The Gospel, billions of people worshiping false gods. Oh Christ followers, how in 2017 is this possible? Christ’s worth is the fuel for missions and what sustains us. He is worthy of all people’s glory. We believers must have a passion and zeal for His glory to be made known to all the nations. Friends, we must submit under His authority in our life.
Go with Confidence.
Second, we go with confidence because of His authority. We are assured that the gospel does save. Take a moment to let that sink in. Do we fully believe that? If so, we should passionately desire to share it with others! Don’t let the fear of a possible awkward conversation hold you back from sharing news of eternal life! His Spirit empowers us, and we are given everything we need to fulfill the mission.
Obey His command.
Third, we should obey the command of Christ. This is not a comfortable call, it’s a costly command for every Christian. Unfortunately today’s church is filled with people that haven’t led others to Christ. However, every disciple is a disciple maker. What Satan wants is Christians that are too busy and distracted on “good” moralistic things that we forget to fulfill the GREAT things— The Great Commission.
Depend on Jesus!
Lastly, we must depend on the presence of Christ. This is so comforting! He is able to do far more than we can ask or imagine. Throw away small dreams and ask Him to guide us for the glory of His name. He will never leave us! Let’s experience the power of His presence.
So if you’ve ever wondered what’s so great about the Great Commission, please just sit with the Lord and listen. Don’t be afraid to even ask the question of where the Spirit wants you to “go” and do the extraordinary, radical, impossible things. You can trust Him to speak and guide you. God will reveal who He is and that He is with you always, to the end of the age.
If you would like you would like to partner in taking the Great Commission to the Unreached, please join in on praying and/or donate to my trip through this page! (top right button!) Thank you, friends.
