Monday November 14, 2022

Today is Monday, November 14 and we are exploring what the Bible says about our church’s mission statement.

Making Disciples of Jesus Christ who love God, love others, and serve the world.

I am here to pray. I still my body, quiet my mind and slow my breathing. As I inhale, I breathe in God’s love, joy and peace. As I exhale, I breathe out negativity, worry or fear.

Pause and Pray

Holy and Loving God, I draw near to Your presence this morning and listen for Your voice speaking into my life. Open the ears of my soul and the eyes of my heart so I may gain understanding of Your perfect will for me. Amen.

I delight in the Lord my God and praise Him with the ancient words of Psalm 119.

Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Psalm 119:12-16

Pause and Pray

This week I take a brief respite from my journey through The Sermon on the Mount to consider the timeless mission of the church. The followers of Jesus Christ have a mission which has not changed from one century to the next. Jesus Himself charges disciples in every century with an identical task. Disciples make disciples. At the end of Matthew’s gospel, the women come to Jesus’ tomb early in the morning and instead of His dead body they find an angel there. The angel tells them that Jesus is not there, but has risen just as he said he would. The angel instructs the women to go and tell the disciples that Jesus is risen. He is going ahead of them to Galilee and they will see Him there. Once they heard the women’s news, the disciples left Jerusalem and traveled to Galilee.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 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 28:16-20

The journey the disciples made from Jerusalem to the mountains in Galilee was about 100 miles. On foot it would have taken several days. I imagine the range of emotions that might be present following the events of the Passover week, the betrayal of Jesus, His suffering death, horrific crucifixion and final burial of a beloved leader and friend. I would likely have hope and anticipation covered over with questions and doubts. In awe, in Galilee, I see Him. Jesus is alive. I worship Him alongside my closest friends, recognizing some of them doubt it is really Him. Then He comes to me and says these words. He commissions me and my friends and sends us to the ends of the earth. He closes with a promise – I do not go alone, He will be with me.

Ask: How have I personally understood Jesus’ instruction to “make disciples?” How do I attempt to live out His command in my everyday life?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, You have authority in heaven, on earth and over all of my life. I worship You in spirit and truth. Show me what it means to make disciples for You in this place and this time. What does it mean to baptize and teach them as I have been baptized and taught to obey what You command. Please go with me and give me the assurance of Your abiding presence. I read Matthew again, listening for the message You have for me today.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 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 28:16-20

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Even though I may be familiar with this passage of scripture, Jesus wants to speak fresh words to me today. I affirm my desire to listen and understand what His great commission means to my life at this particular age and stage of my faith journey. I consider how my church is currently “making disciples” for Jesus and how I might more actively participate in God’s work. Perhaps there are certain people God has placed in my life that do not know Jesus. Maybe there is a child in my life who has not been told about Jesus. How does God want to use me this week?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus Christ, I invite You into my current circumstances and situation. Reveal the people around me who do not yet know You and lead me to pray for them. Provide opportunities for me to share the good news of Your great love and salvation. Clearly show me what You mean when You instruct me to go, make, baptize, and teach. Equip me to do so faithfully. Amen.

He told them this is what is written: the Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:46-47

I leave this time of prayer as a redeemed follower of Jesus Christ. I go to make disciples by sharing the good news of His great love and amazing grace.

Amen