879: Go and . . . Make Disciples

This is it. This is absolutely, positively the last in the "Go and . . ." series, which we began last July. I have already compiled each entry into one document, which I will edit in December and put into production for a book in January. It should be available in February. I asked last week about a title and here are the responses I received:

1. Responding to God’s Call to Action
2. When God Says Go and Do ... You Had Better Go and Do
3. What Part of Go Don’t You Understand?
4. God’s Bias for Action
5. Obedience to God’s Call for Action
6. God's Call to Action

Write me and let me know which on you life, or suggest another option.

For this last entry, let's look at Jesus' last words found in Matthew 28:18-20:

“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."

I thought I would do a point-by-point presentation for this last entry, so let's see what we can learn from these famous words regularly referred to as the Great Commission.

WHAT PART OF GO DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?

Go is a two-letter word that has serious implications for us. Go implies motion, leaving where we are and heading someplace else. Go is open-ended, for we may go across the street or 2,000 miles away. Go is a command without any other specific instructions, which indicates we are expected to figure it out along the way. Go ushers in change that may involve new relationships, assignments, or scenery. The disciples heard these words from Jesus Himself, yet they did not go, lingering in Jerusalem's comfort zone for many years. Some never were able to overcome their bias against Gentiles and their preference for Jewish home cooking and culture, so they stayed -- until persecution and divine intervention forced them to go.

Here are some things to consider about this Commission called Great:

1. Jesus has the authority to send you to do whatever He chooses. God will not apologize for what He asks you to do. It is a privilege to serve Him, but it is important to do so willingly. God is not interested in hostages or slaves; He wants volunteers. Will you volunteer to go and do? Or is fear causing you to shrink back?
2. Jesus expects His followers to make other disciples. He did not say, "You go and I will make disciples." You may want God to initiate, direct, supervise, develop, and empower your purpose. It's safer and less risky if you put the onus of going and doing on Jesus. You are then simply along for the ride. That is not what "Go and . . ." represents. I have worked to make purpose disciples since 1991. It's what I teach and why I write and publish. What is your strategy to impact, train, and raise up others to do what you do?
3. Jesus demands that you overcome any bias you have for other people groups. That means the world is your stage, as Shakespeare wrote. That is a scary proposition and may mean you have to abandon the safety of your shoreline for foreign ports of call, or at least places in your own country you would not usually frequent. I often see people act out this prayer: "God, I'll do whatever you want me to do -- as long as it's in my country, in my state, in my area, with my people, in my town, in my church, on my street, on Sundays from 7 to 9 or Wednesday from 4 to 6, and as long as my child doesn't have a recital or I don't have to work overtime. But God, You know I will do whatever it is You want me to do." If you put restrictions and limitations on God's will, don't be surprised if He is not moving in your life our using you for His purpose. When that happens, you can settle for being a good church member, doing God a favor when you attend and even give some money
4. Jesus wants you to take what He teaches you and find a way to share it with others around the world. That is one reason why the Internet is so exciting to me. it is something God wants us to use to disseminate His will and teaching, giving us all an outlet for our testimonies, which will help us and others overcome the evil one.
5. Jesus promised that He would be with you no matter where you went or what you did. You are in partnership with God! Be careful, however, and keep in mind Paul's admonition: "As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, 'In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:1-2).
   

There you have it. We have looked at 19 examples of God's commands that included the words "go and." Whatever I choose to call the book, I hope it does not diminish the urgency God is conveying to you as you find and express your purpose and creativity. You are God's hands and feet, and if you don't go and do, then no one will go and do. The good news is that Jesus goes with you when you go, but does that mean He does not stay with you when you stay? That's a scary thought, so i will continue to go and do as best I can, taking Jesus at His word that He will never leave or forsake me to the end of the age. I hope to see you along the "Go and . . ." road. Have a blessed week!

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THANKSGIVING OFFERING: Thank you for responding to my appeal for a special Thanksgiving offering for the orphans. We were able to raise $1,200, which I will be distributing this week. I will be back with a yuletide campaign titled, "Give a Kid a Christmas." Stay tuned.

ISRAEL 2020: I am planning another trip to Israel in April 2020. Watch this five-minute video and then write to let me know if you want more information.

ALASKA 2019: I am also planning a ministry vacation to Alaska in August 2019. Watch this four-minute video and then check out the website to get more info or to download a brochure.