DAY 27: DISCIPLING THE NATIONS

DAY 27: DISCIPLING THE NATIONS

SCRIPTURE:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “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.” Matthew 28:18-20

OBSERVATION:

In Matthew’s account of the great commission issued by Jesus, we see another important facet of the Lord’s call. It begins with the statement that all authority in heaven on earth has been given to Him. This is the first and foremost basis of our whole ministry. We go forth as ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, authorized by Him, and in His name and power. In Mark’s gospel, this power and authority is described as signs which accompany those who go in Jesus name – they will drive out demons, they will lay their hands on the sick and they will get well, they will speak in new tongues and they will drink deadly poison and not be hurt.

Secondly, the Lord’s call is not just for conversion but for discipleship. It is no use to have new converts who quickly fall back into old ways and old patterns. New converts need to be trained and established in the faith so that they will grow strong and persevere and overcome. The role of the church in this training is absolutely paramount. A crucial part of this discipleship is to teach the disciples everything Jesus has commanded. This involves a careful study of the four gospels, and especially all the Words of Jesus, which should be known well and true by all Christians.

Thirdly, the Lord’s call involves baptism of water. The word “baptizo” in Greek literally means “to dip”. Wherever possible, this must mean full immersion, symbolizing a watery death to one’s old self when entering the water, and resurrection to new life, when re-emerging out of the water. Baptism is the natural and subsequent act to conversion that every believer is required to perform as a testimony before men of his or her faith in Christ.

Finally, the Lord gives us the promise of His presence with us, which is through the Holy Spirit, and this presence will be always with us to the very end of the age. How beautiful and marvelous is this truth!

APPLICATION:

Know that we go forth not in our own strength but with the Lord’s authority and power. We need to depend on that! We also should make baptism a priority in the church for all believers. Likewise, we must also prioritize training and discipleship, growing strong in the Lord ourselves and also teaching and imparting knowledge to those less mature in the Lord than ourselves. In all things, always believe and thank God that His presence is always with us. 

PRAYER:  

We praise You and thank You, Lord, for Your great love for us. We thank You that You gave us Your authority to do Your will on earth. Give us Your heart of passion and courage, that we may learn to go forth and make disciples even as You lead us. Quicken the learning of our hearts and minds in Your ways so that we may grow strong and be able to teach and lead others to deeper levels with You. We thank You and praise You especially Lord that You are always with us, our Savior and Redeemer. In Jesus name, Amen.