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332. The Great Commission

Genesis 1:26-28A, Matthew 28:16-20
Key Verse: "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."
Matthew 28:19-20A

The first commission that God issued to Man was to, "be fruitful and increase in number;" (Genesis 1:28A).  While God had begun with two individuals, Adam and Eve, it was never His intention to keep it that way.  He gave all living things the ability to reproduce its own kind.  His beginnings may have started small, but His design was for healthy life to grow naturally and that growth is a good thing in God's eyes.  Growth is obedience to God's command.

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"  (2 Cor. 5:17)  Here, Jesus issues a new commission for His new creation.  It is similar to the first one, only this time, we are called to reproduce spiritually what has been created in us.  He calls us here to, "Be fruitful and multiply" for the Kingdom.  "Go and make disciples of all nations."  (Matt. 28:19A)

It wasn't enough for Jesus to have His disciples vindicated by reassuring them that He had, indeed, conquered death by being raised.  His purpose was for the world to know what He had done for them so that they too could receive His gift of love.  "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him."  (John 3:16-17)  But, how will the world know of this amazing gift if they are not told.  Remember, telling is in obedience to Christ.  "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me."  (John 14:21A)  The disciples knew that if they truly loved Jesus, they would have to obey this new command, because this is what they had been taught.

Amazingly, Jesus promises them that, as they go and obey, He will accompany them.  "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  (Matt. 28:20B)  He does not send us on a mission without Him.  He will guard what He has commissioned.  "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to Me without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is My Word that goes out from My mouth:  it will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."  (Is. 55:10-11)  When we trust in Him, He is guiding us.

This is still true for us today.  You know of Christ because someone else was faithful and obedient to tell you.  The commission and promise still stands.  If we love Him, we will still obey by telling.  In return, in love, He will go with you.

Growth demonstrates health.  If your church, if you, are not growing and expanding, then you may need to face the reality that you are dying.  That's how God set it up.  Are you devouring God's Word, but doing nothing with it?  Then, you may be a glutton and, as we know, gluttony is unhealthy.  Are you holding back in fear?  "There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in Love."  (1 John 4:18)  He is with us. He wants His gift of love known.  In that assurance, live your healthy trust in Him and be willing to fulfill your great commission as well.

Hymn: "We've A Story to Tell to theNations"

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