The disciples had their marching orders. That ragged, prideful and often unsure group of 12 men were commissioned to take the good news of God’s grace and forgiveness to all the world. They were composed of fishermen, tax collectors, Rome haters and just ordinary guys.
Jesus, their leader, challenged them to “go and make disciples of all nations, ethnic groups, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded. “ Then the reassuring last promise, “And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age.”(Matt. 28:19,20)
Less than 40 years later, Jerusalem would be destroyed by the Romans. They would face unbelievable persecution from their countrymen as well as the Romans, and unbelieving world. Yet, they never faltered. The world was their parish.
It was said they turned the world upside down by their passion. They and those who followed them made mistakes and fought among themselves, but the mission continued. We are recipients of their efforts. We also are challenged to carry on the mission given to them.
Yes, even when it seems the sky is falling and doomsday pundits are having their day, we may be having our best opportunities to extend the kingdom. It may mean that we have come to the end of our independence from God, our reliance on self-sufficiency and our insistence that we don’t need him.
But it will come at a cost. We often speak of the need for revival. But I’m not sure we really want revival. It would come at the cost of losing our comfort, convenience, and complacency. Historically, revival has come as a result of repentance. Our egos might take a tumble. I heard a preacher say ego could stand for “easing God out.” That would define much of our culture.
If the 100,000 or so that marched on Washington, D.C., were as passionate about changing their home towns as they were about changing an election, we might see revival. It comes at the point of surrender — to lay down our arms, to yield, to submit.
It might be going on a mission trip to let God break your heart at the suffering and hopelessness you see. It could be simply looking at an unreached section of your city and letting the afor their spiritual and physical condition; then making yourself available to prayer walk, knock on a door, asking God to show you how to love that household — to be the incarnational love of Christ.
One of David’s prayers has often been mine at the beginning of each day. It is found in Psalms 25:4, 5
“Show me your ways, O Lord,
Teach me your paths;
Guide me in your truth and teach me
For you are God my Savior,
And my hope is in you all day long.”
Begin each day with that simple, sincere prayer and it might surprise you what the Lord will do through you.” To comment, email jhm82@outlook or call (580)
To comment, email jhm82@outlook or call (580) 772-2311.