Monday, September 18, 2023

Listen to the Word

Then 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)

Imagine a business that is not clear on its mission. One employee says, “I think we are supposed to be making biscuits.” Another says, “No, we are designing computer software.” A third says, “We are supposed to be operating a dating service.” That business would be quite a mess. Or picture a football team that is not clear on its mission – they don’t realize that the objective is to carry the ball across the goal line, and to prevent the other team from doing the same. That team might look good in their uniforms, and they might enjoy their Gatorade, but they aren’t going to win many games.

Now envision a church that is unclear about its mission. One ministry is running one way, and another is running the other direction. Different members are trying to pull the church in dozens of different directions. Perhaps there is plenty of activity, but there is no clear goal. As the old saying goes, “If you aim at nothing, you’re sure to hit it.”

For the next two weeks, we will explore the Great Commission, Jesus’ marching orders for the church. Let’s allow him to show us what he wants his followers to be about.

Live the Word

Pray, asking Jesus to help you to see the mission he has for his followers. Then read today’s Scripture one more time, listening for him to speak to you through it.