Day 31
Perhaps it is most accurate to say that of all Jesus’ Kingdom priorities, the final standing order He gave to His followers is the one that should supercede all other priorities. Unity among believers validates our witness. Prayer empowers our hearts and minds to engage the disciple-making task among the nations; prayer accomplishes the miraculous. Believing faith keeps us moving forward despite difficulty, disappointment, and hardship. These, as well as all other Kingdom priorities, undergird the primary task of the church – discipling the nations!
“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. As you are going, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you, and I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).
THE IMPERATIVE
The one phrase in Matthew’s “Great Commission” verses that is the IMPERATIVE, (the command), is “Disciple all the nations.” This is our assignment! Jesus used three PARTICIPLES to describe the disciple-making process: “going” (as you are going), “baptizing” (those who profess faith in Christ), and “teaching” (obedience to Jesus).
PRAY…
Jesus, You have made our assignment quite clear. Forgive us for so often being all wrapped up in lesser priorities that yield almost no fruit and do not contribute to the accomplishment of the Great Commission. We are choosing to turn away from such foolishness and to embrace the DISCIPLE-MAKING MANDATE You gave us just before Your ascension to heaven. Please empower us with Your Holy Spirit to be Your witnesses in our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth. We long to see Your Kingdom come as You reign over the hearts and lives of those who have placed their faith in You alone, have followed You in believer’s baptism, and are seeking to obey everything You have commanded. We want to be a disciple-making church. In Your majestic Name I pray, Amen.
Sourced From State Convention of Baptists in Ohio | scbo.org