February 11th, 2023 - Build

PAUSE
This morning we’re closing our month-long devotional journey with a challenge to go out into the world and join God in his mission of bringing redemption to the lost. 

Before we jump in, let’s pause, take just a few moments to clear your mind and give your entire presence to the LORD. 

“He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT)

It is remembering this, that we are compelled to join God in his great plan of redemption.

REFLECT
Today we read the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:18-20 NLT)

As we paused just a moment ago, we meditated on the grace of God manifested in the sacrifice of Jesus which brought forth the forgiveness of our sins. This in every way has been the goal of our time over the last 4 weeks, that we would see and savor Christ for the salvation that he has provided for us. However, this seeing and savoring has never been meant for us to keep to ourselves. Jesus’ goal was always that we would experience his grace and share it with the world. This is precisely why he gave us this passage in Matthew 28:18-20 which has colloquial become known as The Great Commission. 

The Great Commission is Jesus’ charge to all those who identify with him to share about him to the world. It is more than just speaking the good news of his salvation though, it is a whole life orientation around building the kingdom of God everywhere we go. We see the command to teach people to observe all that Jesus has taught, this is discipleship, or apprenticeship. Much like a tradesperson would apprentice under a master to learn their craft, we are expected to teach the ways of our master, Jesus Christ, to others as we walk with him and learn from him as well. 

This devotional path, partnered with our Sunday sermon series, has been designed to help us all see the journey we’ve been invited to join with Jesus, to believe, belong, become and build. Now we must see that part of this lifelong journey is leading others to know and follow Jesus as well. Jesus himself said that he came “to seek and save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10). What we see in The Great Commission is that he has invited us to do the same. 

ASK
Today we’re asking God to show us how he might want to use us in his mission of bringing redemption to the world. Ask him to show you who he has called you to share the good news of salvation with and who you need to teach the ways of Jesus to. Ask God to break our hearts for those who don’t know him in a way that compels us to action. 

YIELD
As we yield to the command of Christ to go into the world and make disciples of all nations consider how God might be calling you to join him in that mission. 

To one degree or another, he’s calling all of us to pray, to give, and to go. 

God is calling some of us to go on one of the many mission trips we’re taking this year.
God is calling some of us to begin financially supporting mission work in the world. 
God is calling some of us to be bold with the gospel in the places we frequent such as work or school. 
God is calling some of us to pray more fervently for his kingdom to come.
God is calling some of us to walk across the street and introduce ourselves to our neighbors. 

God is calling ALL OF US to have hearts focused outward, to be more aware of the lost in this world, and to join him in his mission of seeking and saving the lost. 

What is God saying to YOU?
What will you do about it?