Beginnings: Your New Commission
Go into all the world and preach the Gospel [Good News] to all creation.
Mark 16:15 (NKJV)
Consider the meaning of commission: It's 'an order, charge, or direction;' the 'authority granted for a particular action' (Random House Dictionary).
With conclusive Words in all four Gospels, Jesus issues a compelling Order. It glistens with royal authority.
Our duty?
To rep Christ and the Kingdom of God. In a clear and direct handful of Words, He reveals who, what, when, where, why, and how.
Rep Jesus to WHOM?
Every person. Even every creature. To represent our King to EVERYONE. We’re not called to judge or discriminate.
WHAT is our message?
The Gospel, which in essence means… Good News! 'A total life-change through the forgiveness of sins' (The Message).
WHEN is the right time?
Jesus speaks in present tense, meaning NOW! “Go, make, preach, send, teaching, baptizing…” NOW! “The right time” and “tomorrow” don’t exist!
WHERE are we to go?
All nations, starting in Jerusalem. “Where” has become exceedingly easy by rising in the skies of media.
The obvious WHY, and also WHY ME?
Clearly, to save lives and make disciples: to feed the hungry, water the thirsty, welcome all strangers, cover the naked, visit the sick (as well as prisoners), and love our neighbors... that each might be saved.
The “WHY ME” addresses “It feels awkward,” “I’m not a preacher,” “The right words don’t come.” Remember, we can preach by our ACTIONS, by our KINDNESS, and POSITIVITY. People will ask the Reason for our hope.
HOW are we to live?
Like ambassadors, in peace and outreach. We can’t just “hang with our homies.” We step out. We go forth. We walk through doors.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Your duty’s not new, but its method is. Catch the world's attention with your talent. Surprise fans by your gracious acts OFF STAGE. Lost sheep will follow you, who follow Him, which IS fulfilling your great commission.
Beginnings: Your New Commission (Part 19)
P.S. If you refuse and bury your talents, you allow Satan unrestrained access. So even in the hard times, PERSEVERE.
* Commission in other Gospels (& Acts):
'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 things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age' (Matthew 28:18-20).
'Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things' (Luke 24:47-48).
'Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you' (John 20:2).
‘You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth’ (Acts 1:8)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!