All nations? This is the part of the great commission that would have stood out to the disciples. Up to this point Israel’s main concern was with Israel. But now Jesus was telling them to go and make disciples of all nations. This commission signals the graduation of God’s people. Everything previously was designed to prepare them for their mission in the new age which Jesus inaugurated. The people of God were leaving university and getting a real job. No longer should they just practice their faith in-house and work with models. Now was the time to begin the real thing. The church should therefore reflect this graduation. Churches are not just support clubs for Christians. The church is the body of Christ and Christ wants to reach the lost. He wants to embrace people in grace and draw them into a discipleship journey. The church, therefore, whatever size or shape it might take, must orient itself around this great commission. Each of us, moreover, must make this our preoccupation in whatever our occupation might be. Whatever you do and wherever you are, you are called to represent Christ and help people to connect with God through him. If that sounds daunting, remember that you yourself are also a disciple of Christ. This means that you follow him, which means responding to what he is doing. He is the one with the power and authority to change lives. Your role is to bear witness to him and participate in what he is already doing. That is the only way to be truly fruitful and to THRIVE.
Ask God to draw you more into what he is doing around you.
Read Matthew 28:16-20 and Mark 16:15-20
