Feb 28: The Final Instruction.

Mt 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

After a triumphant victory over death, Jesus started appearing to the disciples in His resurrected body. Scriptures say that His scars were evident, and His body had taken a new form where He could appear and disappear at will. He dined with them and even taught them on how the prophets and the law had already prophesied all the things that had just taken place. But of all the things He did and said, the great commission was the most significant thing. It was Jesus’ final instruction to the disciples, before He ascended to heaven.

The instruction was rather simple. Go and make more disciples just like them. But the task was not easy. Which is why Jesus gave them power. They would have the ability to drive out demons, heal the sick and even speak in new tongues. They could take up serpents and drink deadly poison, but it would have no effect on them. And true to Jesus’ words, the eleven disciples received the power of the Holy Spirit and started spreading the Gospel to all the world. A small group of people that came from regions few knew about, became world changers and history makers. And what started 2000 years ago, continues to progress as more and more Christ followers are made.

Today, there is an estimated 2.4 billion Christians in the world representing a third of the population and the largest religious movement in the world. The Bible continues to be the highest number of copies of a book sold worldwide to date. None of this happened by chance though. Faithful disciples everywhere continue to obey the final instructions of Jesus. And God’s mighty power continues to be manifested just as He promised, with signs and wonders occurring to all those who believe.

The conclusion of the matter is this. Every disciple’s first and foremost responsibility to represent Jesus to those around them. Our lives must reflect the love of God in us and make people want to be like us. We might not be perfect, but with God’s grace and power we can do it. We were not called to enjoy the gift of salvation for ourselves. But to share this great news with those who are lost, so that they too can enter the kingdom of heaven through believing in Jesus Christ. If we miss spreading the Gospel, but do everything else, it is like not fulfilling the final wish of your father or mother before they passed away. At least our dead family members wont ask us why we didn’t fulfill their last wish. But Jesus Christ who has risen from the dead and waits for us on the other shore is certainly going to ask us “how many people did you share the gospel with?” At that time, we must be boldly able to say “Lord, I told as many people as I could”.

Daniel 12:3

Those who are wise shall shine

Like the brightness of the firmament,

And those who turn many to righteousness

Like the stars forever and ever.

Let us do our job and do it faithfully. Go, and make disciples. With the world becoming an ever confusing place, it is the role of a Christian to be the light and salt Jesus taught us to be. God's power is still available to us as we embark on this mission. And remember this truth: You are not alone. Jesus is with you every step of the way.