Growing In Grace

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Growing In Grace Part 01 - Go

by Gail Rodgers
She stood on the Mount of Olives. A faint breeze touched her cheeks. The tour guide’s voice faded as she took in her surroundings. This was the very place Jesus stood when He gave parting instructions to His followers!

Her eyes took in the landscape below and the beautiful city of Jerusalem. She recalled the Scripture of Jesus weeping over that city. What great compassion He had for those whose hearts were far from Him. Her heart was stirred.
The tour guide’s voice interrupted her thoughts. He was reading the final words of Jesus just before He returned to Heaven after His resurrection from the dead. It’s “The Great Commission” from Matthew 28:18 - 20…

“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

She was challenged by the question that came next. “Imagine”, said the tour guide, “that you are looking into the face of Jesus as He prepares to leave this earth. Lovingly and with longing in His eyes, He asks you, “What part of the Great Commission don’t you understand?” It’s a thought-provoking question as we bustle through our hectic days. Do I care about bringing people to know Jesus?
As my friend shared her Mount of Olives experience with me I recalled the words of a wise preacher. His statement left its imprint on my heart many years ago. He said… “If your life as a Christian is not lived out on the wavelength of the Great Commission – then your life is irrelevant to God’s plan for change in our world.”
Irrelevant! Not a word I want to describe my life as a Christian. I want to understand this Great Commission in a fresh way and live my life empowered by God to share His love in my daily world.
As you go today, through the mundane and the specific, be challenged to allow the Holy Spirit to continually flow through you. As your life touches others with the compassion of Jesus you will be blessed. It’s where you will find meaning. You were created to be relevant to God’s plan for change in our world!
prayer & reflection

Father God,
As I go about my day give me a fresh focus on what it means to “go” and make followers of You. Let my life become more relevant to Your purposes for me and for the world around me. Help me today.
I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.