The _____ Commission

Wow, it's been a while. It's been radio silent on my end for 3 weeks now, and I apologize for that.

This is for the OGs. Remember when I said I didn't know if God actually called me to do this, or if I was just being an "oversabi?" In hindsight, I see the foolishness, more like glaring ignorance, in that question, which leads us to today's topic - mission.

Before we get started on anything else, let's start with the end: Jesus' final words before His ascension recorded in Matthew 28:18-20,

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

"The Great Commission," it is called. I wonder if that name is a part of the problem, that it implies that this command is for the "great:" pastors, missionaries, priests, theologians, not me and you. Maybe it should simply be called, "this is what you should do as a follower of Christ," then perhaps the purpose and the intended audience would be much clearer.

Jesus gives this command to all of His disciples, and yes, that includes you. No, that doesn't mean you have to travel across the globe to preach the Gospel, there are people at your school, in your neighborhood, in your dorm, maybe even in your friend group who don't know Christ, and you are perfectly positioned to reach out to them. I am saying this to myself as much as I am to you.

It can be very difficult, especially in this world so resistant to truth, but take heart because the Holy Spirit that is in each of us empowers us to be Christ's witnesses. Start by getting to know them. If you never spoke a word to them, maybe say a quick hi next time. If you usually just say a quick hi, maybe stop and have a 20-second conversation, ask how their day's been going. It is only in doing so that we can see what areas they're harassed and helpless in, and help them see a need for Our Savior.

Also, try doing it with a friend, whether that means actually reaching out to people together, or just being accountability partners, giving each other tips. If you don't have someone to do it with, message me! I'll be your accountability partner, and maybe you can use that as motivation to make a friend that can eventually do this with you.

To conclude, I'll leave you with a few verses that recently spoke volumes to me regarding this topic.

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

- Isaiah 6:8 ESV

But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”

-Exodus 4:10-12 ESV

Peace, love, and POWER of Christ be with you all!

p.s: Sorry for the picture overload, I couldn't pick one!