Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 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." - Matthew 28:16-20
Ever wonder how you (yes, I mean YOU personally) are supposed to fulfill the Great Commission which Jesus charged us with in Matthew 28:16-20? So many Christians seem content to leave the making of disciples, the baptizing, and the teaching to their pastors and spiritual leaders. But clearly, Jesus did not say to make believers, or members, of all nations… he said to go and make DISCIPLES of all nations. Churches are filled with believers and members, but that begs the tough question: “Is anybody here a disciple?”
Let’s take a sport analogy: baseball. Why, there are literally tens of thousands that pack into the stadium every week to see their team play. They are fans (believers), but certainly not players (disciples). Still… some might be disciples… they learn the laws of the game, they teach them to their children, and they teach their children how to play, and love the game, and be IN the game.
Are we (as Christians) just sitting in the stands (pews)? Do we cheer for the Pastor when he hits a home run with a sermon? Do we vocalize our displeasure with an error to those around us in the stands? Do we grouse about the price of admission? Do we pray that our team will get us to the Finals?
Well, guess what… no matter how much you cheer, no matter how loyal a fan you are, and even if you hold a season pew (ticket), you don’t win the prize unless you are active AND on the field. You don’t really get to be part of the real celebration after the final big win, and eventually… you are escorted out of the stands and told to go away.
The good news, for us as Christians, is that Jesus really wants each and every one of us to be on the team! There is no talent requirement. Once you join the team, God supplies you with all the talent and equipment you’ll ever need for any position He might call you to play. But you need to submit to the team’s rules, you need to show up for practice, you need to step up and be willing to swing for the fences for God. Make no mistake, there will be disappointments, there will be sacrifice, there will be night games and away games, but we are also guaranteed winning the final series… and God’s prize is better than any World Series trophy or ring!
The sad truth for most people is that they never need to decide whether they will play for the Angels or the Devil Rays, because they never want to leave their place in the stands (pew). Come on! God has scouted you, Jesus has a place for you in the lineup, and the Holy Spirit is ready to coach you to your most amazing season ever! I’ll see you at practice.
Your brother in Christ, Dave
What 'missionary work' means to me is any kind of service to others flowing out of the love of God to show them particularly the love of God for them. Now there are missionaries from Africa coming to the US! Anyway,today's Sunday School lesson was about Barnabas - not only did he go on foreign missions but encouraged others in doing so.
ReplyDeleteRegarding cheerleading, I think that it is important for the team (the players) to cheer each other on; I know it makes me stronger to know others are praying for me.
Not all of us can *go* somewhere else. We thought we should become missionaries but it didn't turn out. So we live our lives out in front of those where we live. It becomes obvious what we believe by how we live. There is a jeweller in my town who somehow turns the conversation around to faith with most customers. I have been on witnessing teams long ago that walked neighborhoods, cold-calling; I don't see that as particularly effective. But the joy of being His!!! and a grateful heart cannot be hidden. We tend to talk to people about our closest relationships; if Jesus is our close brother, then that will come out naturally.
I have volunteered with a program called Christian Women's Job Corps for women who are seeking to turn their lives around. Not all of them are Christian to start with, but we are there to cheer them on, to tell them of God's love for them, to help them make new habits. One life at a time.
Then there was Phillip, walking, who heard the Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah without understanding, and just took the opportunity to help him understand and then the man believed and was baptized. I think we need to be able to recognize opportunities when they arise right under our noses as it were. And then ACT on it!!