Go and Make Disciples of all Nations

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28:19-20

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth.”  Acts 1:8

 Yesterday my husband and I had the privilege to worship at “PAINT” church. It stands for Panama International Church. We worshipped alongside people from all over the world, from nearly every populated continent. It was a little slice of heaven. Even when I didn’t understand the words of the songs that were done in a different language, the same Holy Spirit was there, drawing us all into fellowship with one another and with God Himself. The pastor gave a great message that summarized much of what I’ve been learning over the course of this study, Firm Foundation. God is so cool how He prepares us and has perfect timing!

 As we sail through the Panama Canal today, I am struck by the analogy of how the Canal connects two oceans: the Pacific and the Atlantic, two sides of the world, and more people groups than I can count. Jesus, too, connected us. He connected the Jews and the Gentiles (everyone who wasn’t a Jew), grafting us into His family. By His sacrifice, we are all adopted sons and daughters of God, paid for equally and loved equally.

 And then, He asks us to do likewise.  In today's verses, Jesus commanded us to go. Not just to our friends and family, not just to those we know, not just to people like us or people we are comfortable with.  Jesus told us to share His love and His message of hope and freedom with the World. He didn’t tell us to just announce the coming kingdom and then sit back and watch for them to fail, like Jonah did (Jonah 4:1-5). He asks us to come alongside people and teach them to be disciples, to be leaners and followers of Jesus. We are to embrace them as part of our family, as Jesus has.

 Sometimes this will literally require us to “go”. I got to spend the day yesterday with my cousin who chose to obey Jesus in this way with her life, working as a missionary in a foreign country for over thirty years.  Other times, God brings the nations to you.  We live in the Pacific Northwest which is an incredible melting pot of cultures from around the world. My husband has worked with people from more than 50 different countries.  As a major port area, we also have the opportunity to come alongside refugees and displaced people from across the globe.

 God calls each of us to do our part.  In these verses, Jesus doesn't say He's calling a select few to be missionaries.  He's giving a directive to ALL of his children. He doesn't expect us to do this on our own. He sent His Holy Spirit to help us.  He has uniquely equipped each of us for the role He designed us to fulfill.  I, for example,  have been blessed (🤪) with chronic illnesses and a brain tumor that give me a voice in communities where I would otherwise not be heard. How has God uniquely equipped you and what steps are you taking to fulfill the Great Commission?

Here's the Thing: God gave us the directions, He gave us the tools, now it's up to us to obey Him.