Faithful Messengers

“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. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV).

If anything proves the kingship of Jesus Christ, it’s His resurrection from the dead and the final chapter in Matthew’s gospel is a record of His complete victory. As believers, we share in the reward of Jesus’ conquering death, hell and the grave. Because Christ died and rose again, we shall one day be raised or meet Him in the air (1Thessalonians 4:13-18). It’s for this reason we should never underestimate the importance of Satan’s defeat and how it effects our daily Christian walk.

This particular passage in Matthew is usually called “The Great Commission”. Quite often, it’s not enough to witness to people about God’s love but we must also strive to teach them God’s written word. Certainly, we cannot live for God in our own strength. However, continuing in our journey toward wholeness, it’s His resurrection power that works in and through us that allows us to do His will and glorify His name (Romans 6:4).

Dr. G. Campbell Morgan, British Evangelist 1863-1945, told about an experience in his life that involved this particular scripture. Morgan visited several ladies once a week to read the Bible to them. When he came to the end of Matthew’s Gospel, He read: “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.” He added, “Isn’t that a wonderful promise?” One of the women quickly replied, “Young man, that is not a promise—it’s a fact!”

Absolutely, the lady was right—it is a fact—God’s promises are truths that become facts! Furthermore, when God blesses us, He doesn’t intend for us to keep provisions to ourselves. Whether its talents, finances, gifts, truth or understanding; He wants us to share with others. Clearly, Jesus told the disciples to impart truth, even to the ends of the earth and give abundantly everything they received.

Here’s the beautiful side. Because the Holy Spirit is present within us, we are endowed with God’s authority to proclaim the good news. Think about it, with the Spirit indwelling believers, we have the power necessary to complete God’s will for our lives. It will all come to a climax one day; in the meantime, we must be faithful to all His commands and ‘go ye into all the world making disciples, teaching truth and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.’