Let’s Go!

We just celebrated the resurrection this past Sunday. Then in the beginning of the Book of Acts, we read that Jesus and the disciples had gathered once again on the Mount of Olives. They watched as Jesus was taken up into the clouds. Acts 1:10-11, “As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!’” “Go!” The angels said. Do something. Make disciples as Jesus had said, “…go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

Yes, some pretty incredible things had taken place over the past three years since Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River. Amazing teaching. Miracles of all kinds. From changing water into wine, to healings, walking on water, raising the dead, and feeding thousands with very little. What a ride it had been for the disciples. Now that Jesus had returned to heaven. They may have been a bit stymied. What now? Jesus led the entire time He was here, now they surely felt a bit leaderless. He told them, however, they would not be leaderless. God was going to send them the Holy Spirit. “…when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative – that is, the Holy Spirit – he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you” (John 12:26). That’s why Jesus told them they would do great things. “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father” (John 12:12).  

Do things greater than Jesus? How is that possible? Well, if you think about it. Jesus’ earthly ministry was limited (by choice) to Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. The apostles, however, would bring the good news to Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth, Thessalonica, Cyprus, Crete, Alexandria, Syria, Turkey, Greece, and Italy. Possibly Spain and India as well. Yes, in truth, the footprint of the early apostles and evangelists is far bigger than Jesus’ was. It’s not that God was unable to send Jesus to these places. If He wanted to, He would have. Actually, He did. He sent Jesus by sending His followers. We are the body of Christ 1 Corinthians reminds us. So, God began by sending the twelve. Then thousands who came after them including you and me.

Yes, that’s right. Coming to faith in Christ is step one of a wonderful journey. The next step is to make disciples – first of ourselves. “Work hard [study] so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker [student], one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Increasing our knowledge of the Word increases our effectiveness in sharing the word. Second, make disciples of others. As I mentioned Jesus said, “…go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). He then says, “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” (Matthew 28:20).

Yes, “Go!” and, “Do!” It still applies. Now that we know Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. And that no one can come to the Father except through Him. Those angels are talking to us. We too are commanded not to just stand around staring into heaven. Safe and secure in our own salvation. We are to “Go!” and share this life-changing message with others who have not heard it.

Remember, our faith journey began with the single step of believing that Jesus is the Son of God who died for our sins and rose again. Offering to us the free gift of everlasting life. But faith is a verb. An action word. So, join me my friends, “Let’s go!”

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Remember you can email praises and petitions to southchurchprayer@gmail.com. I lift them up every Wednesday at 4:00 pm on Facebook Live.