SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 28:18-19 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go…”
OBSERVATION:
God has given us a tremendous task. We are being sent like sheep among wolves (Luke 10:3). Over the years many great men and women of God have laid down their lives for the sake of the Gospel (Psalm 116:15). It is extremely important that we realize it is the Great Commission, not the great suggestion. We are commanded, not recommended, to go. In the going, it is even more important that we realize that Jesus has all authority on the natural and in the spiritual and it is on the basis of this fact that He commands us to go.
We have authority because the One with ultimate authority has authorized us to go. But go where, when, how, to whom? This is why Jesus created the church and its structure. The church is a classroom, a laboratory, a fill station, and a hospital. We are to go to the church that Jesus leads us to (1 Peter 2:5), to learn and grow. God has given the church an authority structure (Ephesians 4:11-16) so that we can be trained, equipped, and sent (Romans 10:14-15). Even 4-star generals had to go through boot camp.
APPLICATION:
We are to go but wait until it’s time and we are prepared. Jesus even told His disciples to go but wait until they had been baptized in the power of the Holy Spirit. We find that there is this tension in our call. We have a purpose but have a hard time submitting to the process. Just remember, they don’t give law degrees to 4th graders. Your time will come if you keep your eyes on what Jesus is working in you today, then you will be ready for when He says, “Go!”
PRAYER:
Jesus, You are my foundation and my master. I love You and thank You for today. Help me to be aware of my season, to prepare myself in what You are speaking to me today that I may be ready for my tomorrow. Purify and refine me so that when I hear You say, “Who will I send?” that I can say, “Here I am. Send me!”
WORSHIP: