June 7, 2022 - 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 the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey 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

Lord, these are such important words. They are the last words you spoke to us before returning to heaven. They are the last thing you wanted us to remember. They are your commission to us. We refer to them as the Great Commission. Just like when people leave each other for an extended time the last thing said is something really meaningful, the most important things that need to be said. Jesus, these are the words you wanted us to hear and live out. You wanted us to think of others like you did. You are telling us to go and replicate you to the nations.

Lord, we know that this verse isn’t just for the few who choose to be missionaries. It is for all of those who follow you. Show each of us exactly what our part is in this Commission. We want our lives to reflect you to those you who have never seen a good reflection of who you are. We want to love one another, even those who we don’t agree with, and even those who are very hard to love. We want to be willing to go wherever and do whatever you ask of us. We give you our whole lives. We tell you that we are your servants and will obey whatever you want from us. We want to follow you even if it means leaving comforts and loved ones. If it means walking in great faith and trust, we still say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” Lord, you gave your life for this Commission. If we love you, how can our answer to your calling be anything other than, “Yes, Lord.” Give us the courage and strength to walk out your callings in our lives.

In Jesus name, amen.